TimorNewsNetwork

Malacca to lead envoys on visit to Timor Leste

Monday December 13, 2010

MALACCA: An 82-strong delegation from Malacca, Johor, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur will call on Timor Leste President Jose Horta Ramos tomorrow during an official visit to foster closer ties between the two countries.

The three-day visit, led by the Malacca State Government, will see a Memorandum of Under standing signed between the Malacca Foundation and Solenusat Foundation of Oecussi aimed at establishing education, cultural and business links.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the trip was aimed at reciprocating Ramos’ visit to Malacca two years ago where he extended an invitation to visit Timor Leste.

The delegation comprises 20 state government officials and representatives from several private companies from the capital and three states,” he told reporters at the Melaka International Airport here yesterday.

He said Timor Leste, a former Portuguese territory which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, offered economic opportunities.

“Besides oil and gas, there are also agricultural ventures that could be considered such as growing of maize and rubber trees,” he said.

During the visit, the delegation will present donations to the Dili Mosque and Campos Alor Catholic Chapel, he added.

Mohd Ali also said efforts were being made to fully utilise the RM190mil Melaka International Airport following the extension of its runway and upgrading of its facilities under a Federal Government project.

The extended runway enables the airport to cater to Boeing 737A and Airbus 320A.

source: thestar.com