DILI, 17 november 2023 (TATOLI) – The President of the National Parliament (PN), Maria Fernanda Lay, has expressed her desire to set up a monitoring committee to support Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership.
According to the Secretary of the National Parliament, Virgínia Belo, the committee would be made up of seven members, including one from each parliamentary bench, and would work in partnership with the government to monitor and support the country’s preparation process for joining the block.
Belo emphasised that the House Speaker is currently preparing the legislation for the creation of the committee, saying that as soon as it is ready, Parliament will have a discussion for its approval: “We hope that the President of the National Parliament will set a time to discuss this matter in plenary session.”
Previously, Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel had said that the ministry had taken the initiative to present a proposal for legislation to the PN that is in line with the ASEAN Roadmap. She referred to the importance of the PN’s role in supporting the country’s preparation process for joining the organization.
According to Milena Rangel, the country’s accession to ASEAN requires aligning Timor-Leste’s policy and legislation with the organization’s political, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
