DILI,27 may 2022 ( TATOLI)-The European Union (EU) in Timor – Leste, is celebrating Europe Day this year with the holding of a two-day “Europe Day Fair”, on 27 – 28 May at Timor – Plaza in Dili.
The exhibition was officially opened by the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor – Leste, (PR) José Ramos Horta with the European Union Ambassador, Andrew Jacobs.
EU Ambassador to Timor – Leste Andrew Jacobs in his opening remarks said the two-day event featured several initiatives to mark the 20th anniversary of the EU’s partnership with the Democratic Republic of Timor – Leste.
“The European Union has a long-term partnership with Timor – Leste, based on the shared values of democracy, human rights, and the role of the law. This year we mark Europe Day by celebrating and demonstrating the impact of EU support in Timor-Leste, in the last 20 years of successful partnerships, with all of you Timorese citizens, developing partners, civil society, and Government Institutions.” Ambassador Jacob said.
Mr. Jacob explained during the two-day event more than 20 ongoing projects financed by the European Union will present their work demonstrating and explaining their activities in Timor – Leste including European and Timorese culture and values.
“Representatives of the Government, the private sector, and development partners will hold roundtable discussions on the history and future of the Timor-Leste-EU partnership,” said the Ambassador.
At the same place, the President of the Republic (PR) José Ramos Horta appreciates the European Union (EU) for the close cooperation with the Government of Timor – Leste and partners in developing Timor – Leste over the past two decades.
“I thank the European Union in Timor – Leste for its enormous contribution to Timor – Leste. They have built 5 referral hospitals, planted trees, provide clean water, built roads in rural areas, and supported other developments together with partners for 20 years in Timor – Leste,” PR Horta told reporters when opening the celebration of the 2022 European Day Fair in Timor-Leste. Timor – Plaza Dili, this Friday.
President Horta added that the European Union is a partner that has been committed through 20 years of financial support to build Timor – Leste towards a bright future.
“When Timor-Leste became independent, we did not have enough funds to develop Timor-Leste and at that time Timor-Leste had no oil and gas revenues. During these difficult times, the European Union has provided financial support to the Government of Timor Leste until today,” said President Horta.
President Horta appreciated the work program that had been implemented by the European Union in Timor – Leste under the leadership of the European Union Ambassador to Timor – Leste, Andrew Jacobs who made a major contribution to Timor – Leste and is expected to continue to work with partners to develop Timor – Leste in the future.
Europe day is held on 09th May each year to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of Robert Schuman’s Declaration in 1950, where he proposed to form an economic partnership between France and Germany by pooling coal and steel production.
Robert Schuman’s vision was to create a union within Europe that would make war between European nations unthinkable. The treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, making Schuman’s proposal a reality and marking the beginning of the European Union as we know it today.
Journalist: Camiliio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia Borges
