Jakarta, March 23 -- Indonesia's fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, welcomed Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta at her residence on Teuku Umar Street, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, in a meeting aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.

Ramos-Horta was received by senior members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), including Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto.

"Please, have a seat," Megawati said, according to a statement released Monday.

The meeting lasted about two and a half hours, featuring closed-door discussions with strong historical and strategic undertones.

It concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts: Megawati presented a piece of traditional Indonesian batik and her book Spi...