Ahmad Zahid's official visit to Timor-Leste touched on areas such as education, rural development, housing, the halal industry, tourism, and that country's efforts to become a new member of Asean. – BERNAMA filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been awarded 0.6ha of land by the government of Timor-Leste as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a statement on Friday (Aug 30) that the land can be used for the construction of the Malaysian Embassy and various other purposes for Malaysians residing there.
Ahmad Zahid, who ended a three-day official visit to Timor-Leste on Friday, said he met with President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and several other leaders.
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He said the meetings provided an opportunity for Malaysia and Timor-Leste to expand potential cooperation and explore new areas that could benefit both countries.
"Several meetings and discussions were held focusing on efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, including focusing on specific sectors such as rural development, housing, the halal industry, the empowerment of the growing tourism sector, and Timor-Leste's efforts to become a new member of Asean,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also said efforts to enhance bilateral trade were discussed, and he suggested that TradeInvest Timor-Leste conduct a trade and investment mission to Malaysia to explore potential investment opportunities.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said Malaysia is also committed to sharing experience and expertise with Timor-Leste under the framework of South-South Cooperation, and so far, 781 participants from the country have been trained in various courses and technical assistance programmes offered.
"Additionally, the Institute for Rural Advancement (Infra) will invite leaders and government officials from Timor-Leste directly involved in rural development to visit Malaysia, offering them the opportunity to conduct case studies and gain insights from Malaysia’s experience in rural development,” he said.
On behalf of Malaysia, the Deputy Prime Minister also congratulated the government and people of Timor-Leste on the 25th anniversary of its independence referendum which falls on Friday.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Halal Industry Development Council chairman, has requested representatives from the Halal Development Corporation and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia to help the Muslim community in Timor-Leste establish its own certification body to develop their country's halal potential. – Bernama
