DILI, 01 april 2024 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, met on monday with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, to discuss Timor-Leste’s preparations for joining ASEAN.
During the meeting, they discussed Timor-Leste’s priorities, particularly in the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) pillar, emphasizing on its efforts towards becoming a full member of ASEAN.
Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s full support for Timor-Leste’s journey ahead.
“Today, we received a special guest from Jakarta, the Secretary General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, and his delegation to Timor-Leste. They will discuss with our leaders about our preparation to become full members of ASEAN,” said Minister Freitas at a press conference after the meeting at the Foreign Minister’s office in Dili.
Kao Hourn was invited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas and he arrived in Dili, on monday for a four-day official visit.
According to the agenda, during his stay, Kao Kim Hourn will meet with the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
He will also meet with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jorge Serrano, representatives of the private sector, and the ASEAN ambassadors in Timor-Leste.
The Secretary-General will also give a speech at a discussion session with members of the government on the country’s accession to the association.
According to a government source, this is a special visit because the ASEAN secretariat, under the leadership of Kao Kim Hourn, supports the member states in evaluating the preparation process for the country’s accession to the organization.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
