Gusmao visits Singapore PM

Sat, 17 Feb 2001 | Source: AFP

SINGAPORE (AFP): East Timor leader Xanana Gusmao met with Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong on Friday for talks on the progress of rebuilding the new country from the ashes left by pro-Indonesia militia groups two years ago.

The meeting at the Istana state complex was held before Gusmao was to check in at an undisclosed hospital here for medical treatment. He has been known to suffer from back pains.

Both leaders also "exchanged views on what were likely to be the main challenges for East Timor in the near future".

Former guerrilla leader Gusmao, wearing a gray suit during his meeting with Goh on Friday, is tipped to be the first president of East Timor once it fully gains statehood after the transition from United Nations administration.

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