President Hopes Jokowi Will Maintain Sound Relations With Timor Leste

Dili, Timor Leste, Aug 26 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his visit to Dili on Tuesday expressed optimism that his successor Joko Widodo will maintain good relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste. "I am optimistic that the newly elected Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla are committed to maintaining good relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste," Yudhoyono noted in the company of Timor Leste`s President Taur Matan Ruak and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during a luncheon held at Timor Leste`s Presidential Palace here on Tuesday. Yudhoyono stated that Timor Leste is an important neighbor and a good friend of Indonesia. "I am grateful for the contribution of Timor Leste`s figures in strengthening bilateral relations with Indonesia," Yudhoyono remarked. Yudhoyono is on a three-day state visit to Timor Leste from August 25 to 27, 2014. After his arrival in Dili on Monday, the Indonesian president paid tribute to the fallen Indonesian soldiers at the Seroja Heroes Cemetery. After observing a moment of silence as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes, the head of state laid a wreath and scattered flowers on the graves of the soldiers, First Private Kabul, who died on May 4, 1985, and Corporal Kastun, who died on June 22, 1998. President Yudhoyono, who had completed several tours of duty in East Timor during 1976-1977, 1979-1980, and 1986-1988, looked for the graves of his friends and subordinates at the cemetery. After visiting the Seroja Heroes Cemetery, President Yudhoyono then proceeded to the Metinaro Heroes Cemetery to lay a wreath to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of Timor Leste. During his visit to the two cemeteries, President Yudhoyono was accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and several cabinet members, including Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto and State Secretary Minister Sudi Silalahi. According to Presidential Special Staff for International Relations Teuku Faizasyah, President Yudhoyono is scheduled to meet Timor Leste`s President Taur Matan Ruak and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. "Cooperation in the fields of economy, education, connectivity, and people-to-people contact will be some of the topics that will be discussed during the meeting. The leaders will also discuss regional and global issues that have been causes of concern for the two countries," Teuku Faizasyah stated. President Yudhoyono will also sign a Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in the areas of marine and fisheries, education and culture, information technology, and regional economic development approach. "President Yudhoyono is also scheduled to lay the cornerstone for the Indonesian cultural center in Dili," he added.