Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Source: en.citizendaily.net)Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia is renewing its cooperation with Timor Leste in a number of areas, and will also explore the possibility of cooperation in the energy and economy sector, Indonesian President Joko Widodo was quoted by the Antara News on January 27.
During the meeting with Timor Leste Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo in Dili as part of his visit to the neighbouring country on January 26, Widodo stated that Indonesia is ready to partner with Timor Leste in infrastructure development. He expressed his belief that Timor Leste also has the same commitment towards his country.
President Widodo welcomed the January 16 meeting between the two countries’ Ministers of Energy and Mineral Resources in Bali, saying that it will contribute to achieving the objectives of the cooperation agreements.
He also called for a stronger people-to-people connectivity and said Indonesia is willing to assist Timor Leste in the development of human resources in terms of pilots and cabin crew, as well as the national carrier.
The President also stressed the role of the Indonesian state-owned enterprises in the development of Timor Leste.
Throughout 2011-2015, infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, airports and government buildings in Timor Leste, were constructed by the Indonesian state-owned enterprises and private firms with a total value of 344 million USD.
This year, the total projects’ value is expected to reach 504 million USD.-VNA
