DILI, 13 july 2023 (TATOLI) – The Spanish Ambassador to Timor-Leste and Indonesia, Francisco Aguilera, met with the Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Minister Lay stated that various topics important to bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed during the meeting, including the environment and tourism.
“Spain is willing to support Timor-Leste in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Capacity Building in these areas etc,” Lay told reporters after a meeting with Ambassador Aguilera in Dili today.
Ambassador Aguilera stated that his visit was critical in learning about the new government’s priorities so that both countries may enhance ties based on those priorities.
He emphasized Spain’s commitment to assisting Timor-Leste’s administration in carrying out its important aims.
“Spain is very much keen to develop further ties with Timor-Leste and my intention here is to be able to share with the Deputy Prime Minister our abilities. And also to know the priorities of the new government. I hope we can carry out actions from Spain in that perspective,” said Aguilera.
“So, the government of Timor-Leste will communicate with us about their projects and priorities and we will be happy to find the best possible ways to support them.”
Aguilera stated that he will return to Timor-Leste on a frequent basis to discuss critical issues affecting Timor-Leste-Spain relations.
Furthermore, he stated that the goal of his visit was to get to know the members of the IX Constitutional Government, led by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.
This was Ambassador Aguilera’s third trip to Timor-Leste since presenting his credentials to President José Ramos Horta last year.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
