DILI, 06 march 2024 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, met with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the Summit Commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which took place between march 5 and 6 at the Convention and Exhibition Center in Melbourne, Australia.
During the meeting with the Head of the Australian Government, Xanana Gusmão thanked him for the invitation to take part in the summit and Anthony Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
Gusmão also met with the New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon to discuss the bilateral cooperation of the two countries.
Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for New Zealand’s support for Timor-Leste’s development and the country’s full membership of ASEAN.
For his part, Christopher Luxon said that New Zealand wants to strengthen cooperation with Timor-Leste, especially in the education and defense sectors.
Present at the meetings were the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, the Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia, Inês de Almeida and the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Exposto.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
