DILI, 08 august 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta said Timor-Leste must intensify bilateral relations with the Republic of South Korea.
Horta said during his mandate as the President of the Republic he will cooperate with the government of Timor-Leste and the Government of South Korea to intensify bilateral relations between the two countries at every level possible.
“I hope we will upgrade our relationship with the Republic of Korea to the level of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, whereby there is no limit to the bilateral cooperation between Korea and Timor-Leste,” President Horta made comments at Presidential Palace, on monday.
Horta said South Korea is an example of a developed country that Timor-Leste can learn from.
“The people of South Korea and the People of TL have very similar human experiences. The Republic of South Korea suffered colonialization, war, and extreme poverty. South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world back then, But today, South Korea is one of the most vibrant economies, and one of the most vibrant democracies in the world,” he said.
Horta hoped that intensifying the bilateral relations with South Korea will help to send more Timorese young students and workers to South Korea.
“There are primary reasons for me to keep advocating from 20 years ago, why Timorese should go to South Korea and Australia:
“First – It is obvious that the immediate benefit through the work is the salaries for the workers themselves, their families and their communities.”
“Second – They gain work experience in whatever field they are working. And in addition, they learn new work disciplines and work ethics.
“Third – They become Timor-Leste’s goodwill ambassadors wherever they are. They develop friendships and learn the language and the culture of the country where they work,” said Horta.
Horta ended his remarks by saying that: “together with the Ambassador of South Korea to Timor-Leste, the Government of South Korea, and the Government of Timor-Leste, we can send many more thousands of young Timorese workers to South Korea.”
He said so far, the Government of South Korea has always stood on the Timor-Leste side to support its application for ASEAN membership: “Hopefully, in 2023 we will join ASEAN.”
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
