DILI, 01 september 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic José Ramos Horta will discuss the Greater Sunrise project with the Australian Government during his state visit to Australia, on september 3.
“During his visit to Australia, President Horta will definitely discuss with the Australian government the development of the Greater Sunrise project. So it is a natural thing for a Head of State to do during his trip abroad,” Prime Minister Ruak told reporters today after having a discussion with President Horta on the Greater Sunrise project at the Presidential Palace.
In his meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on wednesday (31/08), Ruak also raised the Greater Sunrise project.
Last month, the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Víctor da Conceição Soares, the President of Timor GAP, António de Sousa, and the President of ANPM, Florentino Soares Ferreira met with President Horta to talk about the development of the Greater Sunrise Project.
Pires said the discussion between Timor-Leste and Australia on the Production Sharing Contract (PSC), Tax Regime, and other documents related to the Greater Sunrise project is underway.
“These documents will be finalized in november. Timor-Leste maintains its position to develop the Greater Sunrise project in Timor-Leste’s onshore, as it is technically and economically feasible,” Minister Pires said after he meets with President Horta last month.
Pires said that after the documents are completed, both parties will proceed to a discussion on the development of the oil field.
Timor-Leste wants to start producing natural gas from its Greater Sunrise field by 2030 because the Bayu-Undan field will be depleted by the end of 2022.
Ruak added that Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s visit to Timor-Leste was crucial to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
During his visit to Australia from 3 to 11 september, President Horta will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Australia.
President Horta is set to return home on september 12 and prepare for his trip to the USA to attend the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77).
Journalist: Nelson Sousa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes/ Nelia Borges
Translation: Filomeno Martins
