DILI, 28 february 2023 (TATOLI) – The National Parliament today unanimously approved the trip of the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta to Qatar and Azerbaijan from march 3 to 9.
MP Noé da Silva Ximenes “Buka Tuir” from the People’s Liberation Party bench appreciated the upcoming visit of the Head of State to promote Timor-Leste abroad.
“However, as a citizen and MP, I regretted such a visit since it is only about spending the people’s money,” Buka Tuir said in the House of Parliament.
He said that instead of going abroad, the President of the Republic also needs to pay attention to the country’s issues.
MP Antonio da Conceição from the Democratic Party (PD) said that PD has always supported the visit of the Head of State abroad, including the former President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo: “Therefore, PD also supports the next visit of the Head of State to the two countries.”
MP Antonio Verdial from KHUNTO said that President Horta is exercising his constitutional right as a State Organ to carry out his duty: “So, KHUNTO supports the upcoming visit of the Head of State.”
MP Antoninho Bianco of the FRETILIN party also expressed his party’s support for the upcoming visit of the Head of State: “President is exercising his constitutional duty, we support the visit.”
Earlier, Finance Minister, Rui Augusto Gomes said that he will accompany the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta to participate in the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which will take place in Qatar from 4 to 9 march.
“I informed Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak that I will accompany the Head of State to participate in the LDC5 conference in Qatar,” Minister Gomes said at the Government Palace.
He said that many countries are interested in learning about Timor-Leste, saying therefore, participating in the conference is a good opportunity to create a link with those countries that have graduated from the UN least developed countries program.
The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to accelerate sustainable development in the places where international assistance is needed the most – and to tap the full potential of the Least Developed Countries helping them make progress on the road to prosperity.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
