Indonesia, Timor Leste Sign Memorandum

Dili (Antara Bali) - Indonesia and Timor Leste has agreed to increase cooperation in various fields, including settling past problems.

"What we are doing is following up on the recommendations of the Reconciliation and Truth Commission," Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said at a meeting with Timor Leste's President Ramos Horta at the latter's office here on Saturday.

He said the two countries had agreed to deepen their cooperation in the fields of economics, politics, socio-culture and various international forums.

President Ramos Horta, meanwhile, said the two countries' cooperation had to be continuously increased since Indonesia is an important partner to Timor Leste.

"We also thank Indonesia for supporting Timor Leste's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," he said.

President Yudhoyono, flanked by First Lady Any Yudhoyono and an entourage, arrived here about 10am local time on Saturday to attend an event marking the commemoration of Timor Leste's independence and the inauguration of Timor Leste's president.

After their meeting, President Yudhoyono and President Ramos Horta witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in various fields.

President Yudhoyono also received a token of appreciation from President Ramos Horta, followed by a meeting with Timor Leste's prime minister, Xanana Gusmao.

In the evening President Yudhoyono is scheduled to visit the Seroja and Santa Cruz cemeteries and on Sunday morning he will attend the Independence Day commemoration ceremony.(*/M038)