DILI, 28 september 2023 (TATOLI) – The Chinese Embassy in Timor-Leste today organized a reception to mark the 74th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (National Day).
The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos Horta, the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, government members, diplomats, the International Organization, and other distinguished guests. This event took place at the Chinese Embassy in Dili.
Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Timor- Leste, Xudanyang, said october 1st is China’s national day. 74 years ago, the Communist Party of China led the Chinese people to establish New China. Over the past 74 years, especially in the past 10 years, under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Chinese people have worked together to achieve great success and promoted the Chinese path to modernization.
“Achieving modernization is the common pursuit of all countries in the world. Up to now, there are only 1.2 billion people living in developed countries. If the 1.4 billion Chinese people can enter a modern society, it will double the world’s modernized population,” he said.
Likewise, more importantly, the Chinese path to modernization shows another possibility or picture of modernization and expands the path options for developing countries. China is willing to strengthen unity and cooperation with Asian countries, including Timor-Leste and ASEAN, to jointly promote the modernization of Asia.
“Currently, the world economic recovery is weak, and many countries are facing challenges. In the first half of this year, the Chinese economy has been recovering quickly. China’s GDP grew by 5.5% year-on-year, faster than the 3% of 2022. In the past 10 years, China’s average annual contribution to world economic growth has been 30%, exceeding the combined contribution of the G7 countries. China will continue to provide impetus for world economic recovery and growth.”
China and Timor-Leste are good neighbors, good friends, and good partners. As early as Timor-Leste declared independence, the People’s Republic of China was one of the very few countries in the world that recognized Timor-Leste. In the past half century, great changes have taken place in China and Timor. Great changes have taken place in the region and the world, but the friendship between our two countries has never changed. China and Timor-Leste always stand side by side, supporting and helping each other.
The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, stated in his speech that bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and China had started since Timor-Leste gained its independence.
Horta outlined China’s support for Timor-Leste’s priority programs, short-, medium-, and long-term, on behalf of infrastructure development in Timor-Leste.
“Over 743 million that China already granted to Timor-Leste in the global fund for building the infrastructure during this time,” Horta pointed out.
In addition, the contribution of China during the COVID-19 pandemic was also very significant. At that time, China offered 100 doses of Sinovac to support the vaccination of COVID-19 in Timor-Leste.
“Therefore, on behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, I thanked China’s support for Timor-Leste and hope that bilateral cooperation will be continued in the future,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
