DILI, Timor-Leste – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was welcomed with full ceremonial honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, September 23, marking the start of a meaningful two-day official visit to Timor-Leste — a visit seen as a step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and Southeast Asian unity.
The formal welcome, led with warmth and respect by President Dr José Ramos-Horta at 4:10pm local time, began with the playing of the national anthems of Malaysia and Timor-Leste. As a symbol of deep diplomatic respect, a 19-cannon salute echoed through the capital. It was more than a protocol; it was a gesture of friendship between two nations.
Prime Minister Anwar inspected the guard of honour and signed the official Visitor’s Book at the palace, a mark of both formality and shared aspirations. This was followed by a private four-eye meeting with President Ramos-Horta, where both leaders are expected to delve into deeper discussions about cooperation in areas such as trade, education, defence, and regional development.
Later in the evening, both leaders will jointly address the media — an opportunity to communicate their shared vision for regional collaboration and people-to-people connections.
Accompanying Anwar on this visit are key figures from his cabinet, including Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin — a strong signal that Malaysia is looking at Timor-Leste as a vital partner in its regional outreach.
The Prime Minister is also set to meet with Malaysians living in Timor-Leste during a Madani Engagement session — a heartfelt initiative that brings Malaysian leadership closer to its citizens abroad. Alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) and Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP) are expected to join in, highlighting the long-standing connections Malaysia has cultivated in the region.
The day’s engagements will conclude with an official dinner, jointly hosted by President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão — a moment not only of diplomacy but of shared cultural and national pride.
