DILI, 18 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Wang Wenli, met with the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, to discuss specific areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Wenli said that the meeting between Prime Minister Gusmão and President Xi Jinping in Hangzhou, China, last month opened up ways for the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations in specific areas including, infrastructure, agriculture, health, economic development, etc.
“We will continue to work on a bilateral cooperation agreement, which has already been signed. In this way, we will support agricultural development and food self-sufficiency,” said Wenli.
She said that the relations between China and Timor-Leste date back to eight centuries ago: “Throughout these eight centuries, we have always maintained a very friendly relationship.”
Wenli added China has actively participated in nation-building and the country’s economic development: “China has supported Timor-Leste in the past 20 years and will continue to do so in the future.”
During the meeting, Prime Minister Gusmão exchanged views with Ambassador Wenli on his commitment to developing infrastructure, agriculture, and socio-economic development so that the country can produce and export more.
“Gusmão spoke about the importance of producing Timor-Leste’s own products. The Prime Minister always thinks of the best way to use the State Budget for the benefit of the people,” said Wenli.
On october 9, Ambassador Wenli presented her credentials to the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta.
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.
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).
In 2022, China’s exports to Timor-Leste amounted to US$290 million, mainly including welded pipe, container forklift and loading ramp, and polished rice. Goods imported from Timor-Leste amounted to US$150 million, mainly including crude oil and coffee.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
