Timor-Leste Set To Join ASEAN, Malaysian PM’s Visit Boosts Ties - Minister Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent official visit to Timor-Leste was not only a pre-accession visit ahead of the country’s entry into ASEAN, but also boosted Malaysia-Timor-Leste ties, said Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the Prime Minister highlighted the visit during today’s Cabinet meeting, describing it as historic, as the last time a Malaysian Prime Minister set foot in the country was in 2003 during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure.  

“God willing, on Oct 26, Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, will join other ASEAN countries in welcoming Timor-Leste’s admission as the 11th ASEAN member.  

“So this was not just a visit by the ASEAN Chair prior to Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN, but also one that strengthened relations between the two countries,” said Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, at his weekly press conference here Wednesday.  

The 47th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place from Oct 26 to 28 with the attendance of world leaders including United States (US) President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as ASEAN heads of government and dialogue partners.  

On Sept 23, the Prime Minister made a historic two-day official visit to Timor-Leste to enhance bilateral relations and support the country’s admission as the 11th ASEAN member.  

In 2024, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Timor-Leste was valued at US$18.72 million (RM85.68 million).  

Malaysia’s exports to Timor-Leste amounted to US$18.37 million (RM84.06 million), while imports from the country stood at US$0.35 million (RM1.62 million).  

For the period between January and July this year, bilateral trade reached US$6.65 million (RM26.88 million), with more than 200 Malaysian small and medium enterprises active in Timor-Leste across various sectors such as food, hospitality, retail and automotive services.

-- BERNAMA