DILI, 23 september 2023 (TATOLI) – Timorese Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on saturday, held a bilateral meeting to upgrade the ties of the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The meeting took place on saturday, in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China, before the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games, where the two leaders jointly announced the establishment of the China-Timor-Leste Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The meeting was crucial for both countries to elevate their ties to a global partnership of good neighborly friendship, mutual understanding, mutual trust, and mutual benefit.
“Xi said the elevation of bilateral ties is a practical necessity for the two countries to advance their cooperation and a shared expectation of the two peoples,” according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
Xinhua reported that President Xi highlighted the importance of the promotion of the Belt and Road cooperation and strengthened efforts in the four key areas, namely industry revitalization, infrastructure development, food self-sufficiency, and livelihood improvement.
“The Timor-Leste prime minister said he is glad that bilateral relations have continuously achieved positive results in recent years, and the people of Timor-Leste will always remember the Chinese government’s timely and tremendous help during Timor-Leste’s fight against COVID-19,” Xinhua reported.
Xi said China will continue to support Timor-Leste in better integrating into the regional development.
Gusmão appreciated China’s contribution not only to nation-building but also to Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence.
He said Timor-Leste will continue to support the Belt and Road Initiative which is crucial for deepening regional cooperation and improving connectivity on a trans-continental scale.
Gusmão also appreciated China’s commitment to continue supporting East Timor’s accession to ASEAN.
The Prime Minister strongly wished to establish bilateral cooperation with China in various areas to support Timor-Leste’s journey toward becoming a modern and self-sufficient economic country.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
