Malaysia-Timor-Leste Relations Rooted in Friendship and Shared Struggles, Says PM Anwar
Dili, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia’s ties with Timor-Leste extend beyond official diplomacy, reflecting decades of personal friendships and shared struggles, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.
Speaking at an official dinner hosted by President Dr. José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Anwar recalled how he and many of his regional counterparts endured trials together in the past, never imagining that they would one day sit side by side to build a common platform for stronger bilateral cooperation.
“These enduring friendships are the foundation of today’s close relations between Malaysia and Timor-Leste. The spirit of comradeship, of affection, is well reciprocated. And Malaysians love Timor-Leste,” he said.
The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day official visit to Timor-Leste, emphasized that Malaysia’s support for the country stems from shared values of human dignity, democracy, and mutual respect — principles that remain central to the aspirations of both nations.
Anwar also expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Ramos-Horta and the Timorese leadership, noting that it reflected not only the strength of diplomatic ties but also the brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries.
Timor-Leste is set to formally accede to ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October, a milestone Malaysia continues to support strongly.
Among those present at the dinner were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
