DILI, 25 july 2023 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão spoke on tuesday with his Portuguese counterpart António Costa to establish new priorities for bilateral relations between the two countries.
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa told reporters that the meeting was important to learn about the program of the IX Government, in order to define the priorities for the bilateral relations of the two countries for the period 2024 – 2028: “This visit aims to identify the priorities of the new government of Timor-Leste for the cooperation of the two countries for the period 2024 and 2028.”
“The new government of Timor-Leste is at the beginning of its mandate. Therefore, we need to prepare the new strategic program for the cooperation of the two countries for the period 2024 and 2028,” Costa told reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Gusmão at the Government Palace, in Dili, today.
He said that the meeting was also important for his ministers and ambassadors to know the priorities of the Government of Timor-Leste, in order to develop the new bilateral cooperation program of the two countries.
Echoing Costa’s statement, Prime Minister Gusmão said that the visit of the Portuguese Prime Minister was very special for the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, as the visit was taking place at the very beginning of his Government’s mandate.
“Prime Minister Costa has already spoken about the cooperation plan for 2024 and 2028. So we will be going to study and make more contacts so that one day we can sign an agreement on these plans,” Gusmão said.
Gusmão emphasised that the Portuguese people and the Portuguese Government have always demonstrated their friendship and willingness to support Timor-Leste moving forward: “Once again they have shown this in practice by supporting this young country that wants to move forward and develop so that the people feel that independence is worthwhile.”
On the same day, Prime Minister Costa also met with the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
