DILI, 19 july 2023 (TATOLI) – The Deputy Foreign Minister, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, and Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nong Rong hold diplomatic consultation at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC) to strengthen diplomatic ties between China and Timor-Leste.
Rong said Timor-Leste and China are satisfied with all aspects of the ties between the two countries.
He said China was one of the first countries to recognize Timor-Leste’s independence and also one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste.
“We are deeply proud that China has the opportunity to offer some assistance to our Timorese brothers and sisters. We are very proud and satisfied with the China-Timor-Leste bilateral cooperation. Both countries will continue to support each other in the future,” Rong told reporters after the diplomatic consultation in Dili today.
In terms of China’s support to Timor-Leste, China constructed three major buildings in Timor-Leste, the Presidential Palace, the MoFAC Office, and the Headquarters of the Timorese National Defense Force (F-FDTL).
Rong expresses China’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN: “Timor-Leste will soon join ASEAN and China has established good relations and exchanges with regional countries and ASEAN. The accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN will enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.”
Minister Rangel said Rong’s visit demonstrated China’s commitment to further strengthen existing diplomatic ties and cooperation with Timor-Leste.
“We touch upon a number of subjects in relation to the diplomatic ties between the two countries. We also discussed Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership,” she said.
Minister Rong is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the following day.
Nong Rong and his delegation will leave for China on 21 july 2023.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Editor: Nelia Borges
