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SHAH ALAM - Malaysia, through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), remains committed to sharing its development expertise with Timor-Leste under South-South Cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently completed an official visit to Timor-Leste from August 28 to August 30. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral relations and provided an opportunity to broaden collaborative potential and explore areas of mutual benefit between the two nations.
In his official statement, Zahid highlighted the visit’s success and the productive meetings with Timorese leaders, including President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
“Our discussions highlighted the importance of elevating our bilateral relations by focusing on specific sectors such as rural development, housing planning, and the halal industry, particularly in anticipation of Timor-Leste’s forthcoming ASEAN membership and its growing international tourism sector.
“We are also deeply appreciative of the Timor-Leste Government’s generous gift of a 6,000-square-metre plot of land, a gesture that will significantly strengthen our bilateral ties,” the statement on Friday read.
He added there is a need to intensify efforts to boost bilateral trade, with greater involvement from the private sector. Zahid also proposed that TradeInvest Timor-Leste undertake a trade and investment mission to Malaysia to explore mutual investment opportunities.
The MTCP has trained 781 Timorese participants in various courses and technical assistance programmes. Additionally, Malaysia’s Ministry of Rural and Regional Development will invite Timorese rural leaders to leadership programs in Malaysia, enhancing their expertise in rural development.
This initiative aligns with the recent signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between UniKL and Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Higher Education to establish a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre in Timor-Leste. UniKL will also offer 50 scholarships to Timorese students for Master’s and PhD studies.
Zahid also attended the 25th Anniversary of the Referendum at the National Parliament in Timor-Leste, commemorating a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
“On behalf of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Timor-Leste on this momentous 25th Anniversary of the Referendum.
“May Timor-Leste continue to flourish in prosperity, peace, and well-being,” Zahid said in a press statement.
Zahid requested representatives from the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to assist in establishing a halal certification body for the Muslim community in Timor-Leste during Friday prayers at Masjid An-Nur in Dili.
