DILI, 05 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The Australian Embassy celebrated 25 years of development cooperation with Timor-Leste on 5 December 2024, at El Legendário. The Australian Embassy also launched the Australia-Timor-Leste Development Partnership Plan, which sets out shared priorities over the next five years.
The Australian Government’s development partnership with Timor-Leste began with a contribution to the international humanitarian response to Timor-Leste following the Popular Consultation. Australia also played a large and important role in the next phase of reconstruction and development support prior to independence. Development cooperation has been a key element of our bilateral partnership since mid-2002, and today Australia is Timor-Leste’s largest development partner.
Australia consulted extensively in Timor-Leste to help prepare the Development Partnership Plan, including with representatives and leaders from government, civil society, private sector, academia, and with community and youth leaders. Many of those consulted for the Development Partnership Plan attended this week’s event.
Australia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson said, “In this 25th Anniversary year, we are proud to have played a part in supporting Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence and to assist the nation building of our close friend and neighbour,” she said.
“Over the coming years, the Australian Government will scale up support to Timor-Leste’s blue economy, invest further in skills development and reintegration of Timorese PALM workers to lift employment and entrepreneurship opportunities back home, and assist in catalysing further investment in private sector development”, she said.
Ambassador Wilson added, “We will continue to support key government priorities, including quality service delivery in health and education; and support for economic growth and diversification, connectivity, and climate change adaptation. Australia will also continue cooperation that supports Timor-Leste’s stability, security and resilience, and supports all Timorese to equally thrive and prosper.”
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