-- 24-06-2008

PUTRAJAYA, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Timor Leste must work closely to expand the scope of cooperation, especially on the latter's economic expansion, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim.

He said in achieving this goal, the Malaysian Government would continue to encourage the private sector to venture and explore opportunities available in the former Indonesian province which was now an independent state.

"Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Timor Leste have always been warm and cordial.

"The relationship is enhanced further by Malaysia's continued commitment in assisting Timor Leste in its rehabilitation and development efforts," said the the minister.

Rais was speaking at the handing-over ceremony of 100 units of personal computers (PC) from the Malaysian Government to Timor Leste at Wisma Putra here today.

His speech was read out by his deputy, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

To date, Malaysia has provided substantial technical assistance to Timor Leste through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), said Rais, assuring that the country would continue the assistance within the scope of the programme.

"The donation of the personal computers is simply a gesture of goodwill from Malaysia to the government and people of Timor Leste.

"In fact, Timor Leste had actually requested for used PCs. However, considering the close relations between the two countries, Malaysia decided that Timor Leste deserved more than just second-hand PCs that would ensure a longer span of usage and one that is compatible with current software applications," added Rais.

-- BERNAMA