DILI, 26 February 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta paid on Tuesday a courtesy call to Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary General, To Lam, in Hanoi.
During the meeting, President Horta expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s continued support of Timor-Leste’s process of accession to full ASEAN membership.
The Secretary General welcomed President Ramos-Horta and thanked him for his presence at this year’s 2nd ASEAN Future Forum, highlighting the excellent growth of development and bilateral relations between the two countries.
General To Lam noted Vietnam’s goal to develop into a high-income country and expressed hope for strategic cooperation with Timor-Leste, while reaffirming Vietnam’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession.
President Horta remarked that since his last visit to Vietnam nine months ago, Timor-Leste had made significant progress.
Horta outlined that in 2025, “our government will focus on infrastructure, national and rural roads, agriculture, and schools.”
Horta mentioned Timor-Leste’s plans to build a new airport, develop the old Dili port, fight poverty and malnutrition, and extend partnership with Vietnam in areas such as agriculture and communication.
During the meeting, the Head of State emphasized the progress in increasing commercial partnerships for upgrading connectivity and the submarine cable connection.
Regarding ASEAN accession, the President expressed optimism that it may happen at the ASEAN summit in October or November 2025.
On Timor-Leste’s potential contribution to ASEAN, he stated, “We keep our country at peace and stability, we don’t bring to ASEAN any problems,” adding that “Timor-Leste is working hard on the economic front to streamline bureaucracy to create a business-friendly environment.”
The President also touched on Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund and the opportunity of investing in Vietnam.
Secretary General To Lam welcomed the suggestions for joint development initiatives, affirming that Vietnam has no issues with Timor-Leste and that both countries are in consensus in every respect.
Lam reiterated Vietnam’s support for Timor-Leste becoming a new member of ASEAN.
TATOLI
