Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a statement here that the land awarded can be utilised for the construction of the Malaysian embassy.
Zahid, who ended a three-day official visit to Timor-Leste today, said he met president José Ramos-Horta, prime minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and several other leaders.
He said the meetings provided an opportunity for Malaysia and Timor-Leste to expand potential cooperation and explore new areas that could benefit both countries.
“Several meetings and discussions were held, focusing on efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, including in specific sectors such as rural development, housing, the halal industry, the empowerment of the growing tourism sector and Timor-Leste’s efforts to become a new member of Asean,” he said.
Zahid also said efforts to enhance bilateral trade were discussed, and he suggested that TradeInvest Timor-Leste conduct a trade and investment mission to Malaysia to explore various potential investment opportunities that could benefit both countries.
The rural and regional development minister said Malaysia, through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, is also committed to sharing experience and expertise with Timor-Leste under the South-South Cooperation framework.
“Additionally, the Institute for Rural Advancement will invite leaders and government officials from Timor-Leste directly involved in rural development to visit Malaysia, offering them the opportunity to conduct case studies and gain insights from Malaysia’s experience in rural development,” he said.
Zahid said a letter of intent was signed between UniKL and Timor-Leste’s higher education ministry for the establishment of a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centre in that country.
“UniKL is also ready to offer scholarships to 50 eligible Timor-Leste students to pursue their master’s and PhD studies at the institution,” he said.
Zahid, who is also the Halal Industry Development Council chairman, asked representatives from the Halal Development Corporation and the Islamic development department to help the Muslim community in Timor-Leste establish their own certification body to develop the country’s halal potential.