KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 — Malaysia has been awarded with 0.6ha of land by the government of Timor Leste as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a statement today that the land awarded can be used for the construction of a Malaysian embassy and other purposes for Malaysians residing in the country.
Zahid, who ended a three-day official visit to Timor Leste today, said during the visit, he met with President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and several other leaders.
He said the meetings provided an opportunity for Malaysia and Timor Leste to expand cooperation and explore new areas that could benefit both countries.
“Several meetings and discussions were held, focusing on efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, including focusing on specific sectors such as rural development, housing, the halal industry, the empowerment of the growing tourism sector, and Timor Leste’s efforts to become a member of Asean,” he said.
Zahid said efforts to enhance bilateral trade were discussed, and he suggested TradeInvest Timor Leste conduct a mission to Malaysia to explore various investment opportunities that could benefit both countries.
He said that Malaysia, through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, is committed to sharing experience and expertise with Timor Leste under the framework of South-South Cooperation, and that 781 participants from the country have been trained in various courses and technical assistance programmes offered.
“The Institute for Rural Advancement will invite leaders and government officials from Timor Leste who are directly involved in rural development to visit Malaysia, offering them the opportunity to conduct case studies and gain insights from Malaysia’s experience in rural development,” he said.
Zahid said the success of the official visit to Timor Leste was reflected in the signing of a Letter of Intent between UniKL and the Higher Education Ministry of Timor Leste for the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training centre in that country.
“UniKL is ready to offer scholarships to 50 eligible Timor Leste students to pursue their master’s and PhD studies at the institution,” he said.
On behalf of Malaysia, the deputy prime minister congratulated the government and people of Timor Leste on the 25th anniversary of the referendum today.
Zahid, who is also Halal Industry Development Council chairman, requested that representatives from the Halal Development Corporation and the Islamic Development Department assist the Muslim community in Timor Leste to establish their own certification body to develop halal potential there.
— Bernama
