Xanana Gusmao Meets Sultan HB X, Discusses History To International Relations

YOGYAKARTA - Timorese Prime Minister Leste Xana Gusmao met with the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X in Kepatihan, Yogyakarta, to have a dialogue on the history and relationship between nations, especially Indonesia and Timor Leste.

"It's great respect for me because this is my first time going to Yogyakarta, and what makes me more impressed is that I only found out about the history of Yogyakarta after meeting with His Majesty (Sultan HB X)," said Xanana after the meeting. reported by ANTARA, Monday, December 8th.

Xanana said that he learned important lessons from Sultan HB X regarding the uniqueness of Yogyakarta, including his special position in Indonesian history.

He admitted that he only understood the difference between Yogyakarta and other provinces in Indonesia after receiving a direct explanation from the Sultan.

"It is a great honor, because with the noble Sultan, I can speak, understand, and know this unique difference throughout Indonesia which is enormous," he said.

Xana also mentioned the journey of relations between the two nations by recalling the incident of Indonesia's invasion of Dili 50 years ago.

Even so, he stressed that the past should be remembered to build togetherness between the two countries.

"The important thing now is good cooperation so that we build a better future 'together'," he said.

Sultan HB X appreciated Xana's visit and said that the dialogue between the two made room to study each other and understand the context of inter-state history.

He said the conversation included things that could strengthen awards between nations.

"I think we are also learning to be able to understand between nations, between countries, yes, both history, regarding other matters that are indeed to be able to appreciate each other more," said Sultan.

Sultan also mentioned the cultural relationship that had been established, including the large number of students from Timor Leste who studied in Yogyakarta.

"I hope that the future of children from Timor Leste has also been studied in Yogya, especially in the field of education. Hopefully this relationship can still be established properly," said Ngarsa Dalem, Sultan HB X's nickname.