DILI, 07 june 2022 (TATOLI) — The National Parliament discussed and approved, a Resolution Proposal 13/V(4a) for the ratification of an Air Service Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The plenary session was attended by the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW), Ministru Abel Pires, and the Minister of Transport and Communications (MoTC), José Agostinho da Silva.
The Resolution Proposal for the Air Service agreement was approved with 49 votes in favor, zero against, and no abstentions,” The President of PN, Aniceto Guterres Lopes announced during the plenary session.
Ministry of Public Works (MoPW), Abel Pires , in his statement following the approval of the Air Service Agreement, said it was a milestone agreement to link Timor-Leste with another world.
“This agreement connects Timor-Leste to the new world, specifically with UAE and other middle east countries. The UAE’s Emirates Passenger Carrier will operate its direct flight to Timor-Leste. I am sure that it will bring tourists to the country,” he said.
He said UAE is one of the well-known countries in the middle east and the world: “This agreement is good for the development of Timor-Leste’s tourism industry as many foreign nationals will visit the country. I think, more job opportunities would be created once the Emirates begins its operation.”
In addition to the agreement with UAE, previously, Australia’s Qantas Airline has also kicked off its operation from Darwin to Dili.
To better accommodate the operation of such big commercial airlines, the Government of Timor-Leste, with the support of the Japanese government has been working on the revamp and extension of the Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
After the approval of the Air Service Agreement, the Minister of Transport and Communications (MoTC), José Agostinho da Silva was set to be departed for UAE to sign the agreement with his Emiratis counterpart.
On behalf of the government of Timor-Leste, Minister Pires thanked the National Parliament for the approval of the resolution.
MPs from the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Francisco de Vasconcelos also considered the Air Service Agreement would bring huge benefits to the people of Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Nelson de Sousa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes/Nelia Borges
Translation: Filomeno Martins
