President Jokowi Hosts Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomed Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Friday, fostering diplomatic ties and strengthening regional cooperation between the two nations.

Prime Minister Gusmao’s arrival was marked by a ceremonial welcome, featuring traditional attire-clad troops, a cavalry procession, and a marching band from the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres). The welcoming ceremony commenced at 9 a.m. local time, with President Jokowi extending a warm greeting in the palace’s front yard.

The national anthems of both Indonesia and Timor-Leste played, accompanied by cannon booms, symbolizing the respectful reception. Prime Minister Gusmao engaged with school students attending the ceremony, displaying a moment of cultural exchange.

Following the formalities, President Jokowi and Prime Minister Gusmao introduced their respective country delegates, which included high-ranking ministers such as Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Trade Minister Zulkilfi Hasan, SOEs Minister Erick Thohir, Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, and Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono.

After the introductions, both leaders proceeded to capture the moment with a photograph and signed the state guest book. A bilateral meeting was then held, followed by a joint press statement outlining the outcomes of their discussions.

The agenda also featured a tree-planting ceremony in the palace area, emphasizing the commitment to nurturing not only diplomatic ties but also environmental sustainability.

Prime Minister Gusmao’s visit follows his participation in the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in September 2023 during Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship. During a bilateral meeting at that time, President Jokowi reiterated Indonesia’s steadfast support for Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN, a commitment reaffirmed during the recent discussions at the Bogor Presidential Palace.

Timor-Leste’s admission as the 11th member of ASEAN, in principle, was agreed upon during the organization’s summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2022. The ongoing diplomatic engagements between Indonesia and Timor-Leste underscore the commitment to regional collaboration and mutual support.