Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste made an official visit to Malaysia

From December 1 to 3, 2024, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, will travel to Malaysia for an official visit. Since taking office as Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on July 1, 2023, this is his first trip to Malaysia.

A bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim will follow Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s official welcome ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya.

We anticipate that the two leaders will evaluate their bilateral ties and discuss potential joint ventures. The two leaders’ primary areas of conversation are trade and investment, the halal sector, education, capacity building, and connectivity. Additionally, the two prime ministers will discuss matters of shared interest on a regional and global level.

Both leaders will witness the signing of the Land Concession Agreement, which deals with the donation of a piece of land by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for the construction of the Embassy of Malaysia’s Chancery Complex in Dili.

In appreciation of Malaysia’s ongoing support and contributions since the early days of Timor-Leste’s independence, Timor-Leste has chosen to give the land to Malaysia entirely. The prime ministers will also observe the exchange of notes on a visa exemption agreement that will give both nations’ nationals reciprocal visa exemptions.

Additionally, Seri Perdana in Putrajaya will host an official luncheon to honor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmo and his delegation.
The King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.

Furthermore, the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) is hosting a public lecture by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão titled “International Diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented and fragile world.”

This formal visit will further strengthen the two nations’ relationship and demonstrate Malaysia’s ongoing support for Timor-Leste’s bid to become a full member of ASEAN.

In 2023, Malaysia and Timor-Leste exchanged USD 43.7 million (RM196.7 million) in total.

The total value of Malaysia’s exports to Timor-Leste in 2023 was USD43.3 million (RM195.0 million), while the total value of goods imported from Timor-Leste was USD0.4 million (RM1.7 million).