DILI, 2 january 2023 (TATOLI) – Singapore’s new ambassador to Timor-Leste, Robin Hu, has pledged to support government officials in preparing for the half-island nation to fully participate in ASEAN as the 11th member state.
Ambassador Hu said Singapore has designed a special program to help Timor-Leste government officials prepare for Timor-Leste’s succession to ASEAN.
“As we all know, the roadmap is developed by ASEAN member states regarding the criteria and timeline leading to Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN. We hope to help Timor-Leste gain the experience and expertise to participate in and contribute to ASEAN when Timor-Leste becomes a full member of ASEAN,” Hu made the comments after meeting with Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at the President’s Palace, in Dili, on thursday.
Timor-Leste is approved in principle to join ASEAN, which is subject to an “objective criteria-based timeline and roadmap”: “We look forward to helping Timor-Leste to become a full member of ASEAN.”
It means that the next steps will be fulfilled to satisfy the “objective criteria-based roadmap which will be adopted by ASEAN leaders at the first summit of 2023.
So far, the Singapore Government has given special training to more than 800 government employees.
In addition, Ruak and Hu also exchanged words about various supports given by Singapore to Timor-Leste.
“The Prime Minister and I also discussed a number of issues related to Singapore’s past contribution to Timor-Leste. Since Timor-Leste’s independence, Singapore has sent thousands of its soldiers and Armed Forces personnel and Police Officers to assist the UN Peacekeeping Force in the country,” Hu added.
Ambassador Hu also meets with other leaders, including business leaders, government officials, NGOs, and Singaporeans living and working in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
