Economic zone development in the border area between East Nusa Tenggara province and Oecusse city becomes one of issues discussed by Indonesia and Timor Leste. 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste Taur Matan Ruak are committed to intensifying discussions on the development of an economic zone in the border area of the two countries.

President Widodo made the remarks in a press statement with Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, at the Presidential Palace in Bogor city, West Java province, on Monday (Feb. 13).

The two leaders agreed to push for the formation of a bilateral investment cooperation agreement, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat said in a written statement quoted by Indonesia Window on Tuesday.

Indonesia and Timor Leste are committed to intensifying discussions on the development of an economic zone in the border area between East Nusa Tenggara province (Indonesia) and Oecusse city (Timor Leste), President Widodo explained.

"And, to support economic cooperation, especially the development of an economic zone in the border area, we agreed to encourage negotiations to start the establishment of a Bilateral Investment Treaty," the president said.

On that occasion, the president also stressed the importance of economic cooperation between Indonesia and Timor Leste.

"I welcome the continued increase in trade relations between the two countries," said the head of state who also welcomed the commitment of Indonesia and Timor Leste to improve land connectivity, including through the launch of the first bus route between Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara and Dili in Timor Leste.

"Specifically, I also encourage the reduction of sea transportation logistics costs for business activities," he added.

Regarding the management of the border area, the president said that the two countries agreed to immediately complete the two remaining land border segments this year, namely the Noel Besi (Indonesia)-Citrana (Timor Leste) segment and the Bijael Sunan (Indonesia)-Oben (Timor Leste) segment.

"The completion of these land boundary negotiations is important to start maritime negotiations and encourage the development of National Cross Border Post Development in Oepoli," he said, adding that another issue being discussed was strengthening development cooperation.

The president said that since 2006, there have been 258 development cooperation activities between Indonesia and Timor Leste involving thousands of Timor Leste participants.

Widodo also said that to support the development of human resource capacity, in the last two years Indonesia had provided 489 scholarships for Timor Leste students.

"Indonesia is committed to continuing development cooperation, especially through strengthening human resource capacity," he said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window