Jokowi Holds Bilateral Meeting With Timor Leste President Taur Matan

Semarang, C Java, Jan 26 (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Timor Leste President Taur Matan Ruak at the Presidential Palace in Dili here on Tuesday. President Jokowi was pleased to meet Timor Leste President Ruak since their last meeting was held in Jakarta in April 2015, Presidential communications team member Ari Dwipayana noted in a press statement. President Jokowi deliberately selected Timor Leste for his first official visit in 2016. The visit demonstrated Indonesia's commitment to building stronger bilateral and economic relations with East Timor. The president also reiterated Indonesia's readiness to become a development partner of Timor Leste. The Timor Leste president highly lauded Jokowi's visit. President Ruak offered his condolences to the families of those killed in the Jakarta terror attacks and hoped that the injured would recover completely. The Timor Leste president commended the performance of the Indonesian government in swiftly coping with the terror attack in just a day. Furthermore, the two heads of state discussed bilateral relations, which have been sound so far. Both heads of state committed to enhancing bilateral relations in future. Timor Leste hopes to enhance economic cooperation with Indonesia. In addition, the heads of state also welcomed several memoranda of understanding in various fields, which would be inked by the two countries. Both heads of state have committed to accelerating the settlement of border issues. PRESIDENT RECEIVES MEDAL OF HONOR FROM TIMOR LESTE Dili, Jan 26 (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo received a medal of honor from Timor Leste during his visit to that country on Tuesday. "This honor casts a big responsibility on me to preserve the friendship and brotherhood and mutually beneficial close cooperation between Indonesia and Timor Leste," he said after receiving the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor Leste, pinned by Timor Leste's President Taur Matan Ruak. President Jokowi, as he is known, said Indonesia hoped for increased cooperation with Timor Leste. "For Indonesia, Timor Leste is a friend and the closest neighbour and also like a brother," he remarked. He also said "I wish to reaffirm Indonesia's commitment as Timor Leste's principal partner in development and cooperation in various fields." President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana arrived at the presidential palace at 11am, and were welcomed by Timor Leste's president Taur Matan Ruak and First Lady Isabel da Costa Ferreira. President Jokowi is on a day¿s visit to Timor Leste, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo as well as Indonesian community residing in that country.