DILI, 10 march 2023 (TATOLI)— Non-Governmental Organization Forum (FONGTIL) today held a workshop to introduce a foreign policy to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Timor-Leste.
The workshop was held at the National Centre of Chega (CNC) in Baldie with the theme “Defending Timor-Leste’s Interests in Foreign Affairs”.
Speaking at the workshop FONGTIL Executive Director, Valentim da Costa Pinto said the workshop aims to jointly review the Government’s foreign politics, as well as the willingness of NGOs to contribute to the foreign policy of Timor – Leste.
“It should be considering that existing cooperation will not stop our criticism as NGOs and there is no prohibition for us to criticize the Government ‘s foreign policy,’’ Director of FONGTIL, Valentim da Costa Pinto told reporters in CNC Balide, Dili, on Friday.
The director also admitted that after 20 years of independence, many things had been done with foreign policy, starting from the politics of reconciliation which had been implemented successfully in Timor – Leste.
In addition, the implementation of democracy in Timor – Leste is very well if compared to the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) and also in the world.
Timor – Leste, acknowledged that there are yet many things that must be prepared before the accession for the ASEAN and the World Trade Organization (WTO), especially since the capacity of the private sector is not fully qualified and does not have the opportunity to hold big projects.
“We have made efforts for TL’s role in the international community and this year it has been 12 years of accession to ASEAN and this has become a lesson for us to strengthen the domestic situation which will guarantee the foreign policy,” he said.
Director General of Bilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MOFAC), Crisogno Araújo explained that this foreign policy aims to maintain national independence and safeguard national security, increase international peace, and enhance brotherhood among the nations.
“There is no country in the world that isolates itself from foreign countries, even in the constitution it says our foreign policy is to strengthen relations with friendly countries to maintain regional relations and national identity, economic development, and others that have an impact on our society,” he said.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
