President of Indonesia declares maximum support to Timor-Leste to join ASEAN

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Dr. Zacarias da Costa with
President Susilo Banbang Yodhoyono

"The Republic of Indonesia will make every effort in order to fulfill Timor-Leste's dream: to become a full member of ASEAN during the presidency of Indonesia in this Organisation," the President of Indonesia Susilo Babang Yodhoyono declared today 3th of March, in Jakarta during a courtesy visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa.

The Minister, Zacarias Albano da Costa, has been in Jakarta since the 1st of March leading a large delegation composed of some 40 officials who will take part in the Fifth Joint Ministerial Meeting (JMC) between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

During the meeting, Minister Zacarias personally submitted a letter from H.E. the President of Timor-Leste, Dr. Ramos Horta, reaffirming the wish of Timor-Leste to join ASEAN and thanking the President of Indonesia, on behalf of the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, for the constant support and sponsorship Indonesia is providing through President Yodhoyno and Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, as demonstrated on several occasions.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Dr. Zacarias da Costa with

President Susilo Banbang Yodhoyono

Minister Zacarias da Costa also briefed the President on the progress made in the bilateral relations between both countries, “especially in the implementation of the measures advocated by the Commission of Truth and Friendship and also other progress registered in the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), such as the goodwill to conclude the process of the land border demarcation during the year of 2011 and to complete the border passes.”

Minister Zacarias da Costa, also transmitted the intention of H.E. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to have a bilateral meeting with H.E. the President Susilo Babang Yodhoyono on the 22nd of March as agreed upon last December at the Bali Democracy Forum.

In response, H.E. the President Susilo Babang Yodhoyono declared his satisfaction in receiving Timor-Leste's delegation in Jakarta for the Fifth Joint Ministerial Meeting, which “simbolizes Indonesia's interest in developing a good relationship with Timor-Leste and to develop all necessary contacts to obtain the support from the rest of the Member States of ASEAN for the admission of Timor-Leste into this Organisation.”

From left: Director General Integration, Dr. Marciano Silva,
Ambassador Juvencio Martins,
Ambassador of TL to Indonesia Mr Manuel Serrano and
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Zaccarias Albano da Costa

Minister Zacarias da Costa concluded by conveying a formal invitation to H.E. ThePresident Susilo Babang Yodhoyono to visit Timor-Leste whenever possible.END