DILI, 16 september 2022 (TATOLI) – The new European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Marc Fiedrich presented, today, his credentials to the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta at the Palace of President, in Dili.
President Horta congratulated Ambassador Fiedrich on his appointment and gave him a warm welcome.
The President and the Ambassador discussed key areas of cooperation such as regional integration, economic diversification, and nutrition. They also touched on the political landscape in Timor-Leste and the election year ahead.
During their discussion, President Horta asked Ambassador Fiedrich to continue supporting Timor-Leste.
“President Horta asked Ambassador Fiedrich to cooperate with Timor-Leste’s private sectors on capacity building and training to help them compete internationally, which is part of Timor-Leste’s preparation for its accession to ASEAN,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Julião da Silva said at the Presidential Palace, today.
Silva said that the Head of State also asked the EU to support Timor-Leste with loans at low-interest rates: “In addition, President Horta also requested the new EU ambassador to support Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO.”
Ambassador Fiedrich conveyed his commitment to build on the achievements of his predecessor Andrew Jacobs and to further deepen and expand the excellent relations that exist between the European Union and Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste and the EU share the same values and stand together in the defense and promotion of fundamental freedoms, human rights, democracy, and multilateralism.
Ambassador Fiedrich promised that the European Union would always remain a reliable partner for Timor-Leste, supporting its nation-building efforts
The ceremony was attended by the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Julizo da Silva and staff from the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste.
Ambassador Marc Fiedrich is a European public servant since 2003. He served in the EU Delegations to Nigeria and Venezuela before integrating the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments in Brussels.
He was appointed EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste in june 2022, replacing Andrew Jacobs, and he arrived in the country on september 5. His assignment will be for three years. He is originally from Germany.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
