DILI, 20 march 2023 ( TATOLI)– The Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, William Bill Costello, met today with the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak to discuss future cooperation in the defense sector.
“We are both discussing cooperation in two specific areas, namely the cooperation of defense forces and the ratification of the military law which is currently being discussed at the Australian National Parliament. We hope that the Timor-Leste National Parliament will ratify this law to pave the way for the two militaries to start a defense force mission between Australia and Timor Leste,” Australian Ambassador Bill Costello told reporters at the Government Palace, Dili, Monday.
At the meeting Ambassador Costello also informed Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak regarding the delay in the process of sending the two patrol boats to Timor-Leste, adding that the Australian government would send an official letter to the Government of Timor-Leste, explaining the reasons.
In addition, Ambassador Costello also informed PM Ruak about the creation of nuclear submarines, not nuclear weapons.
“Currently we are developing nuclear submarines, not nuclear weapons so nuclear submarines will not treat people in the world,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
