DILI, 23 february 2021 (TATOLI) — The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, as an acting Minister of Defence, participates in the hearing with the National Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security (Committee B), to discuss the proposal for the ratification of the Air Services Agreement between the Timorese Government and the Australian Government.
This Air Services Agreement was signed by both countries in 2017 and has already been ratified by Australian Legislative.
“This agreement it is based on the desire of both countries to promote a competitive international aviation system between the air transport companies in the market, with competitive, innovative and safe services,” according to the press release.
The Agreement also aims to ensure the highest level of international security and protection, reaffirming its serious concern for acts and threats against aircraft safety.
With this Agreement ratification, airlines will be able to enter the airspace of the two countries without requiring prior authorization, as long as the regulatory requirements, including safety, are met, which will increase competition, which may decrease the costs of tickets and freight transport.
During the hearing, the Minister responded to the Committee B members’ concerns and stated that the Ministry of Defence has no objection to the ratification of this agreement, defending the advantages of its ratification.
In the context of the agreement’s assessment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transports and Communications, the National Civil Aviation Authority of Timor-Leste (AACTL) and the Airports and Air Navigation Administration of Timor-Leste (ANATL), were heard, and the Ministry of Interior will also be heard
It is recall that, on july 2020, The Council of Minister had the approval on the resolution proposal introduced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza Magno, regarding the ratification agreement between the two governments.
Journalist: Florêncio Miranda Ximenes
Editor: Julia Chatarina
