Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR.MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : BALLROOM, HOTEL TIMOR, DILI
Tarikh/Date : 23/10/2003
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER HOSTED
BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. MARI
ALKATIRI PRIME MINISTER OF
THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
TIMOR-LESTE
Versi : ENGLISH
Penyampai : PM
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your kind words
of welcome. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be in
Dili. I am delighted that I have been able to undertake
this visit to Timor-Leste before I leave office.
2. On behalf of my wife and members of my delegation, I
would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, your
Government and the people of Timor-Leste for the warm
hospitality and excellent arrangements extended to us
since our arrival in your beautiful country.
3. Timor-Leste is an extraordinary and remarkable
country. Your strength lies in your people, whose
resourcefulness, determination and grit overcame 24 years
of struggle. Your country has been a symbol of courage.
Timor-Leste can stand tall and proud, as equals among
nations. Malaysia is proud to have been given the
privilege of welcoming Timor-Leste as the newest member of
the Non Aligned Movement at the last NAM Summit held in
Kuala Lumpur last February.
4. I am happy to note the positive trend in the
bilateral relations between Malaysia and Timor-Leste over
the last three years. At the same time, I believe much
more need to be done if we are to realise the full
potential of our bilateral economic interaction which is
negligible.
5. The appointment of the first Ambassador of Malaysia
to Timor-Leste is a testament to the strength of our
relationship, which characterises the warm friendship
since diplomatic ties were established through the Liaison
Office in 2001, which was eventually upgraded to an
Embassy last May 2002. Our bilateral ties, premised on
mutual respect and understanding has seen remarkable
progress since the establishment of your Embassy in Kuala
Lumpur in October 2002.
6. Malaysia follows with keen interest Timor-Leste's
efforts to improve the economic and social well being of
her people. Timor-Leste has enormous potential with her
untapped natural resources, and more importantly its young
human resources.
7. I had an eventful day today. After the welcoming
ceremony, I had the opportunity of calling on His
Excellency President Xanana Gusmao. We discussed many
issues of mutual concerns. I also had the opportunity of
having a good, frank and substantive discussion with you,
Mr. Prime Minister. The discussion continued from where we
left off after your visit to Malaysia in August 2002. We
had a frank, fruitful and meaningful discussion on various
issues affecting our countries and the ways and means to
further improve the existing cordial ties between the two
countries.
8. The task now is to implement those decision and
agreements reached today. We should enhance relations
beyond the traditional bilateral field to include other
areas such as trade, culture, education, tourism, human
resource development, youth and sports, oil and gas. I was
also given the honour and privilege today to address the
Council of Ministers and Members of Parliament. I am happy
to be able to share Malaysia's experience in nation
building.
9. This afternoon we also witnessed the signing of the
Economic, Technical, Scientific and Cultural Agreement.
The agreement reflects the importance and strong
commitment that both our nations have to strengthen our
bilateral relationship.
10. With the signing of the Economic, Technical,
Scientific and Cultural Agreement, I would like to propose
that Malaysia play host to the first Joint Commission
Meeting between Malaysia and Timor-Leste at a date to be
mutually decided.
11. Foreign Investment is always a major factor to
expedite the growth of one's economy. Malaysia has been
able to attract many foreign investors to Malaysia.
Malaysia is prepared to share its experience and knowledge
with Timor-Leste on ways to attract foreign investments.
For these reasons, I have brought along with my delegation
our captains of Industries. During the "Malaysia - Timor-
Leste Business Dialogue and Luncheon" held this afternoon,
I am told that they have initiated several business
ventures and formed a good network. Their presence in
Timor-Leste for the last two days, will hopefully give
rise to more opportunities to find new markets for
Malaysian goods and increase trade and investments
opportunities between both our countries.
12. This afternoon too, I had the honour of laying the
foundation stone for the future site of the Embassy of
Malaysia. I am grateful to the Government of Timor-Leste
for allocating that beautiful piece of land fronting the
sea. I understand that we're going to be neighbours, as
the Government of Timor-Leste plans to build its new
building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Cooperation next to our Embassy.
13. I am also gratified to witness the naming of Malaysia
Street (Avenida da Malaysia) in front of the future site
of our Embassy. This is a magnificent gesture and again
reflects the strong bond of friendship between Malaysia
and Timor-Leste.
14. As developing countries, Malaysia and Timor-Leste
should develop strategic alliances and enhance cooperation
in areas that could benefit both our countries and
peoples. In this direction, Malaysia is committed to
cooperate with Timor-Leste in this noble endeavour to
bring peace and progress to Timor-Leste and to assist in
the development of your country. Within the context of
South-south cooperation and premised upon our belief in
the slogan, "Prosper Thy Neighbour", Malaysia stands ready
to share under our Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP),
our facilities and experiences in governance and
development. As of today, about 150 Timorese have
benefited from the programme. This we hope will contribute
to your human resource development.
15. Malaysia is happy with its participation in the peace
operations under the umbrella of the United Nations in
Timor-Leste. To date, more than 200 Malaysian police have
served under various capacities in the UNPOL (UN Police)
and FPU (Formed Police Unit). Malaysians are also serving
in various UN agencies. Several Malaysian Prison Officers
are sharing their experience in prison management with
their counterparts here.
Sumber : Pejabat Perdana Menteri
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