East Timor's president, Jose Ramos Horta, and prime minister, Xanana Gusmao, have met for the first time since both men were attacked by rebels last month.

The prime minister and his wife, Kirsty Sword-Gusmao, have flown in from the East Timorese capital, Dili, to visit Dr Ramos Horta, who is recuperating at the Darwin Private Hospital in Australia's Northern Territory.

Dr Ramos Horta suffered bullet wounds in the attacks against him.

Our reporter, Sarah Hawke, says the leaders spoke for about two hours.

Prime Minister Gusmao says he has informed the president of efforts to capture the remaining rebels.

He says he is also pleased with the president's progress.

Hospital spokesman, Dr Len Notaras, says the president's condition is improving by the day.

Kirtsy Sword Gusmao says she will take a clear message home that the president will soon be returning to his beloved country.

Dr Ramos Horta was shot by rebel soldiers outside his home in Dili on February 11.

Mr Gusmao was ambushed on the same day but was unharmed.

East Timor has been under a state of emergency since the attacks, reportedly led by former military officer Alfredo Reinado, who was killed in the gunfire.

East Timorese military and police, with help from an Australian-led international stabilisation force, have been hunting the rebels, eight of whom have surrendered.

International forces were sent to East Timor at the government's request after friction in 2006 between military and police factions led to an upsurge in street violence that left 37 people dead.

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