Yudhoyono Hopes Jokowi Maintain Relations with Timor Leste

Dili, Timor Leste (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his visit to Dili on Tuesday expressed optimism that his successor Joko Widodo will maintain good relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste. "I am optimistic that the newly elected Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla are committed to maintaining good relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste," Yudhoyono noted in the company of Timor Leste's President Taur Matan Ruak and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during a luncheon held at Timor Leste's Presidential Palace here on Tuesday. Yudhoyono stated that Timor Leste is an important neighbor and a good friend of Indonesia. "I am grateful for the contribution of Timor Leste's figures in strengthening bilateral relations with Indonesia," Yudhoyono remarked. Yudhoyono is on a three-day state visit to Timor Leste from August 25 to 27, 2014. After his arrival in Dili on Monday, the Indonesian president paid tribute to the fallen Indonesian soldiers at the Seroja Heroes Cemetery. After observing a moment of silence as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes, the head of state laid a wreath and scattered flowers on the graves of the soldiers, First Private Kabul, who died on May 4, 1985, and Corporal Kastun, who died on June 22, 1998. President Yudhoyono, who had completed several tours of duty in East Timor during 1976-1977, 1979-1980, and 1986-1988, looked for the graves of his friends and subordinates at the cemetery. After visiting the Seroja Heroes Cemetery, President Yudhoyono then proceeded to the Metinaro Heroes Cemetery to lay a wreath to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of Timor Leste. (*)