DILI, 16 february 2023 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak met on Wednesday with his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, to discuss Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that: “Singapore is delighted with Timor-Leste’s acceptance in principle of joining the organization, also available to support the process as needed where possible. Singapore wants to help complete the membership criteria.”
“We reaffirmed the warm friendship between Singapore and Timor-Leste. It is a particularly active time for Timor-Leste’s engagement in the region. Earlier this month, for the first time, Timor-Leste participated in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meetings as an Observer. This is a historic milestone,” Loong said in his post on social media.
He said Singapore is committed to supporting Timor-Leste in its preparation for ASEAN membership.
“Look forward to Timorese officials attending courses under the “Singapore – Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support” (STARS) package. I am confident that our bilateral relations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead,” Loong said.
Prime Minister Ruak said it was a pleasure and a great honor to be received by Prime Minister Loong.
He said during the discussion, Loong expressed Singapore’s commitment to continue supporting Timor-Leste in its preparation for ASEAN membership.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
