DILI, 06 august 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta welcomed Singapore’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Robin Hu, at the Presidential Palace.
The meeting centered on Singapore’s support for Timor-Leste’s path to full ASEAN membership and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Hu expressed his admiration for Timor-Leste’s tangible development, noting the proliferation of new buildings, shops, and ongoing road construction projects.
He shared insights gained from recent meetings with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, NGOs, business communities, and Singaporean investors in Timor-Leste, highlighting the country’s progress and investment opportunities.
The discussion emphasized Singapore’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN. Ambassador Robin Hu detailed the Singapore-Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support Program (STARS), designed to assist Timor-Leste in meeting ASEAN membership criteria. He reported that three training courses have been conducted in Dili over the past year, with 90 Timorese officials participating, and expressed hope for future courses to further aid in this process.
The meeting concluded with Ambassador Robin Hu expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Ramos-Horta, viewing it as a chance to renew the bond between Singapore and Timor-Leste. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors, with a particular focus on Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession journey.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
