DILI, 07 july 2023 (TATOLI) – The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, met with the newly appointed Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and the President of the Republic, José Ramos to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries which is crucial for the economic development of Timor-Leste.
In her meeting with Gusmão, Wong expressed Australia’s commitment to contribute to the country’s economic development.
“I’ve expressed to the Prime Minister the wiliness of our government to work with the new government to realize Timor-Leste’s future and to ensure we work together towards your continued economic development,” Wong told reporters at the Palace of Government, in Dili, today.
“What an honor it is again to speak with and listen to Prime Minister Gusmão who is such a good figure here in Timor-Leste and also in Australia,” Wong said.
“We have met a number of times. He is always charming, he is always insightful and he is always gratefully about what Timor-Leste’s national interest is.”
Prime Minister Gusmão said: “Wong and I have just had a brief discussion. So after the Government’s programs are approved in the National Parliament, our ministers will contact their Australian counterparts to see what we can do together to support our national development.”
“It was a good meeting. Minister Wong demonstrated her friendship, solidarity, and love for Timor-Leste and Timorese people,” said Gusmão.
Gusmão thanked Minister Wong for the visit, saying Wong is a good friend of Timor-Leste.
On the same day, Minister Wong also met with the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta.
“I had a very good meeting with President Horta. We discussed how we can continue to work together given our partnership: we share a region and we share a future,” Wong said.
Last year, in her meeting with the Head of State, Minister Wong expressed Australia’s commitment to be Timor-Leste’s reliable partner.
In a statement, Wong said that Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbors, friends, and partners: “These deep bonds form the foundation on which we can build our futures together. We are equal stakeholders in an open, stable, and prosperous region.”
“From economic development to assisting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, Australia is committed to supporting Timor-Leste as a sovereign, secure, and resilient nation,” the statement said.
Australia and Timor-Leste cooperate across a wide range of sectors, including health and human development, education and skills, and defense and security.
It was Wong’s second visit to the country as the Australian Foreign Minister to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste, especially with Gusmão as the Prime Minister.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
