DILI, 11 may 2022 (TATOLI) – The Ambassador of New Zealand to Timor-Leste, Philip Hewitt reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste with its economic diversification.
“We met with the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Magalhães just to catch up with the New Zealand Programs and the support that we are providing to Timor-Leste,” Hewitt told TATOLI after having a courtesy meeting with Minister Magalhães, in Farol, Dili, today.
During the meeting, Ambassador also discussed with Minister Magalhães about New Zealand’s assistance in the coming years on education, economic diversification, and community security.
“We talked a little bit about New Zealand support, particularly on the economic diversification around the coffee program, agricultural program, and our support for tourism,” he said.
Hewitt inform that a team from New Zealand will come to discuss with Timorese counterpart about those programs that will be implemented by New Zealand.
“In the next couple of months, a team traveling from Wellington to come and talk to Timor-Leste about our programs. We are keen to continue to work on the economic diversification which is a priority for this government,” he emphasized.
At the meeting, Ambassador Hewitt and Minister Magalhães also talked about the Presidential Inauguration and 20th Anniversary of Restoration Independence Day.
“Unfortunately, the Prime Minister of New Zealand had to decline the invitation to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony and 20th Anniversary of the Restauration Independence Day. But New Zealand will be sending a minister to attend the event, and we are just waiting for the confirmation. But we will have a minister attending the event to represent New Zealand at the inauguration and the 20th-anniversary celebration,” he added.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
