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The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership to boost regional reach and partnerships
KUALA LUMPUR: After 26 years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to welcome its first new member since 1999 as Timor-Leste nears full accession. This milestone carries significant implications for both the nation and the regional bloc amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. Timor-Leste's inclusion is expected to reinforce ASEAN's strategic influence and global relevance. Political analyst Professor Camilo Ximenes Almeida from the National University of Timor-Leste highlighted the potential for joint economic growth and regional stability. 'The integration of Timor-Leste represents a strategic opportunity for ASEAN, expanding its interregional relations and fostering a stronger, more united bloc,' he told Bernama. The path to membership has been long. Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia's youngest nation, applied in 2011, nine years after gaining independence in 2002. Despite challenges, Dili has shown strong commitment to meeting ASEAN's rigorous requirements. In November 2022, ASEAN granted Timor-Leste observer status, allowing participation in meetings and summits. With a population of 1.3 million, Timor-Leste relies heavily on oil and gas exports, though agriculture and services are growing contributors to its economy. The country recorded a GDP growth of 4% in 2024, up from 2.4% in 2023. Malaysia has played a key role in supporting Timor-Leste's bid, including a US\$200,000 pledge to the ASEAN Secretariat and technical assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has trained 319 Timorese officials. 'This support strengthens bilateral ties and underscores ASEAN's inclusivity,' Ximenes noted. Timor-Leste's membership could also introduce new dynamics, particularly in peace-building. Its reconciliation experience may serve as a model for other ASEAN members, including Myanmar. Additionally, Timor-Leste's Lusophone heritage could enhance ASEAN's ties with Portuguese-speaking regions in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, fostering trade and cultural exchanges. Full membership is expected to be formalised at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, pending completion of the Full Membership Roadmap, which covers political, economic, and socio-cultural criteria. ASEAN, founded in 1967, currently has 10 members, with Cambodia being the last to join in 1999.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kyrgyz President wraps up two-day official visit to Malaysia
SEPANG: The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, departed home today after concluding a two-day official visit to Malaysia. The special aircraft carrying Zhaparov and his delegation took off from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 6.18 pm. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and his deputy, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, were present to bid farewell to the Kyrgyz delegation. A guard of honour was mounted by the First Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial) during the send-off ceremony held at KLIA's Bunga Raya Complex. This marked Zhaparov's maiden visit to Malaysia since assuming office in January 2021 and was held to reciprocate the official visit made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Kyrgyz Republic in May 2024. During the visit, Zhaparov and Anwar held extensive discussions on deepening collaboration in various fields, including trade and investment, renewable energy and green energy, halal industry, agricommodity, tourism, education as well as capacity-building through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Both leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding in the field of tourism, digital transformation and cybersecurity, higher education, health, trade promotion, economic cooperation as well as scientific and research cooperation, and the Exchange of Notes in the fields of youth and training for diplomats, as well as Letter of Intent on legal cooperation. At their press conference, both leaders have agreed to work together in developing Islamic banking and boosting trade in halal products, with Malaysia offering its expertise in both sectors to help develop relevant facilities and services in Kyrgyz Republic. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Zhaparov also undertook a brief tour of the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, where he held discussions with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, before visiting the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. In 2024, the Kyrgyz Republic was Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner among Central Asian countries, with total bilateral trade valued at RM40 million (USD8.74 million). Malaysia's main exports to the Kyrgyz Republic included electrical and electronic products, palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, machinery, equipment and parts. Its key imports from the Kyrgyz Republic comprised chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products, and processed food. Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1992, following Kyrgyzstan's independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Kyrgyz President Wraps Up Two-Day Official Visit To Malaysia
GENERAL SEPANG, June 25 (Bernama) -- The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, departed home today after concluding a two-day official visit to Malaysia. The special aircraft carrying Zhaparov and his delegation took off from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 6.18 pm. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and his deputy, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, were present to bid farewell to the Kyrgyz delegation. A guard of honour was mounted by the First Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial) during the send-off ceremony held at KLIA's Bunga Raya Complex. This marked Zhaparov's maiden visit to Malaysia since assuming office in January 2021 and was held to reciprocate the official visit made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Kyrgyz Republic in May 2024. During the visit, Zhaparov and Anwar held extensive discussions on deepening collaboration in various fields, including trade and investment, renewable energy and green energy, halal industry, agricommodity, tourism, education as well as capacity-building through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Both leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding in the field of tourism, digital transformation and cybersecurity, higher education, health, trade promotion, economic cooperation as well as scientific and research cooperation, and the Exchange of Notes in the fields of youth and training for diplomats, as well as Letter of Intent on legal cooperation. At their press conference, both leaders have agreed to work together in developing Islamic banking and boosting trade in halal products, with Malaysia offering its expertise in both sectors to help develop relevant facilities and services in Kyrgyz Republic. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PM hosts luncheon in honour of visiting Kyrgyz president Sadyr Zhaparov
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted an official luncheon in honour of visiting Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Zhaparov at the Seri Perdana today. Zhaparov, who arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a two-day official visit, was welcomed by Anwar at the prime minister's official residence at 11am. He was also warmly received with a 'Welcome to Malaysia' greeting by 117 pupils from SK Putrajaya Presint 5(1). Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Muhamad Hasan, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Higher Education Minister, as well as several Kyrgyz Cabinet members, also attended the luncheon. Earlier, Zhaparov was accorded an official welcome at Perdana Putra, followed by a meeting with Anwar where they deliberated on strengthening bilateral cooperations in trade and investment, renewable and green energy, halal industry, agricommodity, as well as capacity-building assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Both leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding in the field of tourism, digital transformation and cybersecurity, higher education, health, trade promotion, economic cooperation as well as scientific and research cooperation, and Exchange of Notes in the fields of youth and training for diplomats, as well as Letter of Intent on legal cooperation. Zhaparov is later scheduled to undertake a brief tour of the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur before departing home. In 2024, the Kyrgyz Republic was Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner among the Central Asian countries, with total bilateral trade of RM40 million (USD8.74 million). Malaysia's primary exports to the Kyrgyz Republic include electrical and electronic products, palm oil, palm oil-based agricultural products and machinery, equipment and parts, while key imports from the Kyrgyz Republic consist of chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products and processed foods. – Bernama
Malay Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar hosts luncheon in honour of visiting Kyrgyz president Sadyr Zhaparov
PUTRAJAYA, June 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted an official luncheon in honour of visiting Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Zhaparov at the Seri Perdana today. Zhaparov, who arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a two-day official visit, was welcomed by Anwar at the prime minister's official residence at 11am. He was also warmly received with a 'Welcome to Malaysia' greeting by 117 pupils from Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 5(1). Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Muhamad Hasan, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Higher Education Minister, as well as several Kyrgyz Cabinet members, also attended the luncheon. Earlier, Zhaparov was accorded an official welcome at Perdana Putra, followed by a meeting with Anwar where they deliberated on strengthening bilateral cooperations in trade and investment, renewable and green energy, halal industry, agricommodity, as well as capacity-building assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Both leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding in the field of tourism, digital transformation and cybersecurity, higher education, health, trade promotion, economic cooperation as well as scientific and research cooperation, and Exchange of Notes in the fields of youth and training for diplomats, as well as Letter of Intent on legal cooperation. Zhaparov is later scheduled to undertake a brief tour of the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur before departing home. In 2024, the Kyrgyz Republic was Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner among the Central Asian countries, with total bilateral trade of RM40 million (US$8.74 million). Malaysia's primary exports to the Kyrgyz Republic include electrical and electronic products, palm oil, palm oil-based agricultural products and machinery, equipment and parts, while key imports from the Kyrgyz Republic consist of chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products and processed foods. — Bernama
