DILI, 31 august 2022 (TATOLI) – The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong met with the President of the Republic José Ramos Horta, today, to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Australia and Timor-Leste.
During the meeting, Minister Wong emphasized Australia’s commitment to be Timor-Leste’s reliable partner.
“It’s a great honor to meet his excellency, President Jose Ramos Horta. I spoke to him about Australia wanting to ensure we are a reliable partner. A partner who listens and a partner who works with government and the people of Timor-Leste for your sovereignty and your economic security,” Minister Wong made the comments after meeting President Horta, at the Palace of the President, in Dili, on wednesday.
Before leaving the Presidential Palace, Wong said she was deeply grateful to President Horta for spending time to discuss the bilateral relationship between the two countries with her.
On the same day, Minister Wong also met with Timorese Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak at the Government Palace.
“I want to thank Prime Minister for receiving me. We had a very good discussion and he would be very generous for Australia’s partnership with Timor-Leste in its independence and its resilience,” said Minister Wong.
As Australia’s Foreign Policy White Paper highlights, a strong and prosperous Timor-Leste is of fundamental importance to Australia. As close neighbors and friends, Australia and Timor-Leste have a deep and enduring bilateral relationship.
Australia and Timor-Leste’s relationship is based on support for Timor-Leste’s development, strong security and defense ties, and close people-to-people links.
“Australia is fully committed to supporting the independence, sovereignty, and economic sustainability of Timor-Leste. We are Timor-Leste’s leading development assistance partner (estimated $105.7 million in total ODA in 2022-23) and we support Timor-Leste’s objective of economic diversification and private sector growth through our development cooperation and labor mobility schemes,” said the website of Australian Embassy in Dili.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
