DILI, 24 february 2023 (TATOLI) – The Embassy of Japan, celebrated its 63rd of National Day at the Japan Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste.
The celebration of the Japan National Day was attended by the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, members of the Government, and the diplomatic corps.
Speaking at the celebration day, The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta thanked the Government and People of Japan for the support given to Timor-Leste during the difficult time.
“Japan is the first international country that donated $ 500,000 to Timor – Leste when Timor – Leste get its independence,’’ said Horta.
Horta recalled that since then the two countries have developed a close cooperation relationship supported by various personalities of Japanese society and various academics, media, politicians, and artists.
President Horta added the Japanese Government also defended multilateralism and is an active partner in Humanitarian and development agencies of the United Nations.
“The Japanese executive has actively supported the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to stability, prosperity, and human security in the Southeast Asia Region, to the promotion and diversification of industry to the improvement of infrastructure, as well as to the provision coverage of social services,’’ said Horta.
With regard to assistance which is given to Timor – Leste, the Government of Japan assists the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations (UN), the Word Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
President Horta highlighted JICA as a strong partner of Timor – Leste, JICA had granted US$ 69 million for the construction of roads, and 44.4 million for the expansion of the President Nicolao Lobato International Airport.
Horta revealed that the Japanese Government currently has other ongoing projects such as; the development of human resources through a scholarship program that has a cost of around $ 3 million, Agriculture development of around $ 3 million in the improvement of the irrigation management system to increase the rice production and to access the market as well as improving the purchasing and storage system.
At the same place, the Japanese Ambassador to Timor – Leste, Tetsuya KIMURA in his statement said the government of Japan and Timor – Leste have enhanced the bilateral cooperation since Timor – Leste got its independence and has a strong commitment to supporting Timor – Leste in many sectors such as; the education, infrastructure, agriculture, irrigation and the others to develop Timor – Leste in the future.
Related News:https://en.tatoli.tl/2023/02/24/japan-becomes-a-major-contributor-to-tls-development/10/
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
