DILI, 06 march 2024 (TATOLI) – Timorese Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, on march 5, 2024, on the sidelines of the Summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of Australia’s dialogue partnership with ASEAN, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“During this meeting, the leaders discussed strengthening and expanding cooperation between Timor-Leste and New Zealand, for the benefit of the people of both countries,” said in a statement.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed his gratitude for New Zealand’s commitment to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s development and thanked the New Zealand Prime Minister for supporting Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN, highlighting the importance of this regional integration.
Christopher Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the education and defense sectors.
The New Zealand Prime Minister also expressed his willingness to continue supporting Timor-Leste in the training of human resources, as well as in initiatives related to security and defense.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of the long-standing diplomatic collaboration between Timor-Leste and New Zealand, recognizing the need to boost and diversify these ties in various areas.
Prime Minister Gusmão was accompanied by the Timorese delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia, Inês de Almeida, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Exposto, and technical staff.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
