Statement by
H.E. Ambassador Mochamad Slamet Hidayat
Charge D’Afaires Ad Interim
Deputy Permanent Representative
of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations

₅₇th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
on the Admission of the Democratic
Republic of Timor­Leste to the United Nations

New York, 27 September 2002

Mr. President,

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to you for convening this historic session of the General Assembly to admit the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as the ₁₉₁st member of the United Nations. On this glorious occasion for the Government and the people of the newborn state, we are deeply honoured to share in their moment of joy. Indeed the presence of President Xanana Gusmao in our midst today lends powerful expression to this momentous occasion as his country takes its rightful place among the comity of nations. As Timor-Leste’s closest neighbour, Indonesia would like to express its sincere congratulations and heartfelt felicitation to its Government and the people.

Indonesia associates itself fully with the statement which was delivered by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Asian Group.

Mr. President,

Four months ago, on the eve of Timor-Leste’s independence day, May 20 2002, President Megawati Soekarnoputri visited Dili to help cement the new and promising relationship between our two countries. Likewise, the state visit of President Xanana Gusmao to Jakarta in early July this year greatly helped to strengthen that growing bond.

Since these two milestone visits our two countries have embarked on a path of reconciliation and partnership, which is evident in an increasing number of concrete and mutually beneficial achievements. One such an event that has greatly bolstered the new relationship was the establishment of the Joint Commission, a forum for discussing pertinent issues through dialogue and for searching for mutually beneficial answers to issues of common interests. In a similar vein, I see continuing progress in such undertakings as my Government’s initiative to hold the first Ministerial Meeting of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue. This dialogue, which will take place early next month, is designed to facilitate the discussion of issues of common interest and concern to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and four other friendly countries on such issues as economic cooperation and transnational crimes including terrorism and people smuggling.

Each of these steps, Mr. President, is part and parcel of a number of tangible efforts to build stronger relationship between Indonesia and Timor-Leste bilaterally and regionally that augurs well for the future. The courage of the leaders and peoples of both countries to step forward to construct a future of shared objectives should be applauded. We are confident that the international community cherishes the new and forward-looking spirit of cooperation.

However, we are also fully aware that our brothers and sisters in Timor-Leste are facing daunting challenges, especially in capacity building, education, health and other basic services, and poverty eradication. To this end, Indonesia is ready to extend its collaboration including through South-South cooperation.

In conclusion, Mr. President, let me, on behalf of the Government and the people of Indonesia, once again express our sincerest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of Timor-Leste on this auspicious occasion.

I thank you, Mr. President