TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The governments of Indonesia and Timor Leste have agreed to continue negotiations to settle their common border problems, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
"We need to continue encouraging negotiatons on the settlement of border areas between the two countries," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said at a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Timor Leste Hernani Coelho, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, on September 20, 2016.
Negotiations on land boundary between the two countries are a major concern in the bilateral meeting.
Although there are still differences in negotiated points, the two ministers believe that the commitment and political will of the Indonesian and Timor Leste Heads of state will accelerate the process of negotiations.
"Indonesia hopes the negotiations can be intensified to find common ground for both countries," Minister Retno said.
Both foreign ministers also discussed cooperation between the two countries in various international organizations.
In this regard, Minister Retno expressed appreciation to Timor Leste for its support to ASEANs position in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Meanwhile, the Timor Leste foreign minister explained the countrys plan to hold a general election that will be conducted next year.
In accordance with the mandate of the electoral law of the country, next year the Timor Leste people abroad will be allowed to vote.
Minister Retno said the Indonesian government is ready to share its experience in running elections for its citizens abroad.
ANTARA
