DILI, 18 august 2022 (TATOLI) – The Portuguese Military forces wish to train members of FALINTIL – Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) to participate in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces, Admiral António Ribeiro, speaks at a meeting with the F-FDTL Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek, at Headquarters in Dili.
According to Admiral, the meeting discussed the possibility of Timor-Leste collaboration in the UN mission or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Timor-Leste’s Military will be able to participate in international mission, in partnership with the Portuguese Military following the political guidance from Timor-Leste, and following the availability of the FFDTL,”
Regarding the F-FDTL air component military training cooperation, Admiral António Ribeiro stressed that “this possibility is being discussed between the defense ministry and the general directorate of the policy of the two countries”.
“The requirements that are required to be met by Timor-Leste to build its air component are being analyzed, it turns out that Portugal will contribute whatever is within its reach,” he said.
In particular, Falur Rate Laek said that the armed forces of these countries have cooperated in several areas, such as military health, technical training, and the Portuguese language, among others.
The Lieutenant General also reminded that, in 2012, data collection began at the establishment of the Air Force.
“We also need support from Portugal, because we intend to create a Lighthouse Directorate, Hydrographic Institute, and Port Captain”, he concluded.
Journalist: Domingos Piedade
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation:Camilo de Sousa
