DILI, 10 october 2024 (TATOLI) – Timorese Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão thanked the Malaytsing government for its support for the Diplomatic Training Course of Timorese officials.
The Prime Minister expressed his sincere appreciation for the financial support of US$3 million given by the Malaysian government to support the training.
“I would like to thank you for all the support, especially the US$3 million given to support the diplomatic training for our officials,” Gusmão said during a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, on wednesday.
The diplomatic training program is to expose the participants to various topics surrounding foreign relations and diplomatic conduct including ASEAN components and mechanisms. It also equip the Timorese officials with the basic knowledge and critical skills for diplomatic practitioners’ repertoire through the sharing of development experiences and best practices of diplomacy. In addition the training program also helps to strengthen cooperation and enduring ties between Malaysia and Timor-Leste across all levels, particularly those working on multilateral and regional issues, especially in ASEAN.
The Diplomatic Training Program is part of the Malaysian Government’s commitment to support Timor-Leste’s capacity building in preparation for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN in 2025.
More than 100 officials from various Timor-Leste’s ministries/agencies have been attended training at Malaysia’s Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
In august 2024, the Malaysian Embassy in Timor-Leste, in cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, handed over certificates in English Language and Negotiation Skills and Techniques to 135 civil servants.
The training on the English Language and Negotiation Skills and Techniques took place from august 12th to 16th.
The Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Amarjit Singh said the Malaysian government is committed to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s human resource development program.
At the same place, the National Director for Political and Security Affairs, Sidónio Martins, said that training human resources is crucial to preparing Timor-Leste for ASEAN membership.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins