Latest news with #KayRalaXananaGusmao
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
TIMOR-LESTE PM'S VISIT TO WESTSTAR SIGNALS STRONGER BILATERAL TIES IN AVIATION, ENERGY
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The official visit by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao to Weststar Group's headquarters reflects the shared commitment of both Weststar Group and the Timor-Leste government to strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation, energy support services, and economic development. Group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said Weststar's relationship with Timor-Leste dates back to 2014, beginning with the supply of 10 units of 4x4 general service cargo vehicles to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. 'This year, we have proudly expanded our operations to include rotary-wing aviation support with the deployment of two AW189 helicopters based in Dili, operating under a contract with Santos in the Bayu Undan field,' he said in a statement, in conjunction with Gusmao's visit to its corporate headquarters here today. As part of Weststar's long-term commitment to the region, the company is working in partnership with Timor-Leste's national oil and gas company, Timor GAP, to further strengthen its presence in the country through the introduction of the AW139 helicopter fleet. The statement said that this next phase of operations will include support for utility, VIP, and emergency medical services (EMS). 'Weststar has already conducted two EMS missions in Timor-Leste, one of which included the honour of facilitating the air transport of the late Padre Domingos Maubere, a deeply respected spiritual leader in the country. This reflects not only the capabilities of our operations, but also the humanity that drives our mission,' said Syed Azman. He also said that the visit served as a platform to recognise Timor-Leste's impending full accession to ASEAN, a milestone Weststar fully supports. 'We look forward to seeing Timor-Leste take its rightful place within the ASEAN community. Weststar stands ready to support this transition by contributing to the region's infrastructure and human capital development,' he said. According to the statement, the group's subsidiary, Weststar Aviation Services' growing footprint in Timor-Leste is part of a broader strategic vision to strengthen the company's presence in Southeast Asia, focusing on safety, service excellence, and sustainable growth in the energy and government aviation sectors.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Chinese Premier, GCC Leaders Depart After ASEAN-GCC, ASEAN-GCC-China Summits
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao (right) departed for home today after attending the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al Sabah departed for home today after attending the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Chinese Premier Li Qiang departs for home at 9.15 am today after attending the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur. SEPANG, May 28 (Bernama) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states' leaders and their delegations departed for home today following the conclusion of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Li and his delegation boarded a special flight at 9.15 am from the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). They were sent off by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. At around 10 am, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, also left for home aboard a special aircraft. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali was present to bid him farewell. Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs of Oman, Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, departed for home at 2.33 pm, sent off by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Meanwhile, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao left at 11.50 am aboard a special aircraft, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was present to see him off. All the leaders were given a red carpet ceremonial send-off and a guard-of-honour mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial). Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening remarks at the ASEAN-GCC Summit, described the gathering as exceptional in the context of Southeast Asia Anwar highlighted the presence of ASEAN leaders alongside representatives from the GCC countries as a testament to the growing mutual trust and friendship between the two blocs. The 46th ASEAN Summit was held on Monday under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', and it was followed by the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Timor-Leste on track to full ASEAN membership by October, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asian leaders have agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, subject to the fulfilment of several remaining requirements for full membership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, said that the leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to become a full member of the regional bloc. 'The decision was clearly to agree (that) they would become accepted as full member by next Summit in October, of course subject to one or two actions or reforms to be undertaken, particularly one of the condition of economic pillar,' he said in the wrap-up press conference to conclude the 46th ASEAN Summit, here today. Timor Leste, which first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. However, its full integration is still under evaluation. Its Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who was also in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Summit, was reported as being optimistic about securing the full membership by the end of this year.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Timor-Leste PM charms media at ASEAN-GCC Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: After a long morning covering the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, media personnel were treated to an unexpected moment of warmth, not from protocol staff or organisers but from none other than the Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The high-level meeting, held from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, brought together leaders from Southeast Asia and the GCC for strategic discussions. As the summit concluded and leaders proceeded to a formal luncheon, journalists remained stationed outside the ballroom, hoping for updates or a chance for a doorstop interview. That's when Xanana Gusmao did something unexpected. With a broad smile, he approached the waiting media and offered them candies, saying simply, 'Take it, you've waited so long.' The thoughtful gesture sparked smiles and appreciative laughter from the weary media practitioners, many of whom had not anticipated such a personal moment amid the formalities. According to Iylia Marsya Iskandar, a 26-year-old reporter for the New Straits Times, such gestures may be small, but they make a big difference. 'It was not about the candy; it was about being recognised. You rarely see that kind of interaction at these kinds of events,' she told Bernama. The ASEAN-GCC Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional relations between ASEAN and Gulf countries. Formed in 1981 with its headquarters in Riyadh, the GCC comprises six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Sweet diplomacy: Timor-Leste PM warms media hearts at ASEAN-GCC Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: After a long morning covering the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, media personnel were treated to an unexpected moment of warmth, not from protocol staff or organisers but from none other than the Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The high-level meeting, held from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, brought together leaders from Southeast Asia and the GCC for strategic discussions. As the summit concluded and leaders proceeded to a formal luncheon, journalists remained stationed outside the ballroom, hoping for updates or a chance for a doorstop interview. That's when Xanana Gusmao did something unexpected. With a broad smile, he approached the waiting media and offered them candies, saying simply, 'Take it, you've waited so long.' The thoughtful gesture sparked smiles and appreciative laughter from the weary media practitioners, many of whom had not anticipated such a personal moment amid the formalities. According to Iylia Marsya Iskandar, a 26-year-old reporter for the New Straits Times, such gestures may be small, but they make a big difference. 'It was not about the candy; it was about being recognised. You rarely see that kind of interaction at these kinds of events,' she told Bernama. The ASEAN-GCC Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional relations between ASEAN and Gulf countries. Formed in 1981 with its headquarters in Riyadh, the GCC comprises six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
