DILI, 16 july 2024 (TATOLI) – Elders and veterans from Covalima have requested the Australian government, through its Special Representative for the Greater Sunrise Project, Steve Bracks, to support the process of bringing gas from the Greater Sunrise field to Timor-Leste.
“During a cultural reception at the Haemolin traditional house, the elders asked Bracks to convey Timor-Leste’s position and the heartfelt wishes of the Timorese people to the Australian government, emphasizing the importance of bringing the gas to the southern coast of Timor-Leste,” said in a statement.
The elders, representing the aspirations of the Timorese people for the development of the southern coast, stated that the support of the Australian government in the exploration of petroleum resources would further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
In response, Bracks acknowledged the request from the elders and the people of Timor-Leste. He also expressed his gratitude and pride in the cultural reception at the Haemolin traditional house.
Before the cultural reception, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, along with municipal authorities and other entities, welcomed Steve Bracks at the Commander-in-Chief of FALINTIL, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Airport in Covalima.
Steve Bracks’ delegation, accompanied by Minister Monteiro, local authorities, and the CEO of TIMOR GAP E.P., also visited the September Massacre Monument in Covalima, where they listened to presentations on the massacre’s history and paid their respects.
During the visit to the monument, the President of the Veterans Council of Covalima, Osório Soares Mausoko, highlighted the importance of the southern coast project and the readiness of the veterans to support the government’s program to bring gas to Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
