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Official dinner hosted by H.E. Mari Alkatiri, 23 October 2003
Your Excellency Prime Minister of Malaysia, Doctor Mahathir Mohamad
and
Your Excellency, Lady Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali
Excellencies
Ministers
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great honour and a pleasure, to welcome Your Excellencies,
Doctor Mahathir Mohamed, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Siti
Hasmah Mohamad Ali and the entire Malaysian delegation.
I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the significance
of this visit: It is the first time for Timor-Leste to be a host
country for an official visit by a Prime Minister since the restoration
of independence on 20th May 2002. Exactly one year and five months
ago.
Interestingly, the first country that I officially visited as
Prime Minister of the Constitutional Government of the Democratic
Republic of Timor-Leste, was Malaysia in August last year. Three
months after the restoration of independence.
I am honoured that you have chosen to visit Timor-Leste during
your last official visits as Prime Minister of Malaysia after
21 years of great and charismatic leadership of the Malaysian
people.
It is my Government's policy to forge good relationships with
all countries based on mutual respect; on the principle of non-interference
in internal affairs; and respect for territorial integrity, as
set out in our National Constitution.
At a regional level, we are committed to cooperating with all
countries of the region, including Malaysia who we regard as one
of our neighbors.
The official visit that I paid to Malaysia last year has had
positive results.
It has permitted the establishment of a deep and close relationship
between our two countries.
The cooperation between us has intensified. Today, we signed
the Economic, Technical, Scientific and Cultural Agreement.
Malaysia donated 32 military vehicles to Falintil-FDTL, an institution
created during the United Nations Transitional Administration,
which still needs consolidation and support in many areas of its
development.
Malaysia has also provided welcome support in administration,
agriculture and various other sectors. Our cooperation is leading
towards progress.
I would also like to highlight the contribution that Malaysia
has given to Timor-Leste through the United Nations. The expertise
of Malaysian staff and police in Timor-Leste has made it possible
to better construct this fledgling nation.
I would like to express our special appreciation for the contribution
made by our Malaysian Peace Keeping Force Commander.
I expect that Your Excellency must be exhausted, as a result
of your full schedule in conducting your final international official
trip as Prime Minister of Malaysia. Therefore, in conclusion,
I wish once again, to express to Your Excellency, Prime Minister,
Doctor Mahathir Mohammad, my deepest gratitude for having accepted
my invitation to visit Timor-Leste.
We are deeply grateful for the support that Your Excellency has
given to Timor-Leste and for the great deal of efforts that the
Government of Malaysia has made in terms of strengthening our
relationship.
Thank you
(Toast)
Allow me to toast:
His Royal Highness Yang diPertuan Agung Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin
Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail and Queen, Raja Permaisuri
Agong Tengku Fauziah Binti Al-Marhum Tengku Abdul Rashid;
to the happiness and good luck of the people of Malaysia;
to the friendship of our peoples;
and to your Excellencies Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and
Dr. Siti Hasmah HJ Mohamad Ali
Thank you.
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