DILI, 19 december 2025 (TATOLI) – The Governments of Timor-Leste and China on December 19 signed exchange letters for the China-aid Coastal Embankment Renovation Project and the Presidential Palace Chinese-style Garden Project.
The signing ceremony was held at the Dili Conference Center and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão witnessed the ceremony.
The exchange letters were officially signed by Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Wang Wenli and Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, on behalf of their respective governments.
Speaking at the event, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay expressed his appreciation for the continued support of the Chinese Government.
He said the cooperation falls under the China Aid programme and reflects the strength of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and shared development goals.
Addressing the Coastal Land Reclamation and Rehabilitation Project, which covers the stretch between the Motael Garden and Coqueiros Beach, the minister stressed the strategic importance of the coastline.
“The coastline is an essential natural resource for the country, supporting the environment, local communities and economic sectors such as tourism and fisheries,” he said.
He added that the project will help protect the coast from erosion and the impacts of climate change while enhancing the natural landscape of Dili Bay.
Minister Lay said the Chinese-style garden to be built at the Presidential Palace will serve as “a symbol of cultural exchange and the enduring friendship between the peoples of the two countries.”
In the remarks, Ambassador Wang stated that the project is a practical measure to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, which will further enhance Timor-Leste’s national cultural image and tourism attractiveness, benefit local people, and fully reflects the friendship between the two countries and the deepening bilateral relations. China is willing to continue close cooperation with Timor-Leste to build a community with a shared future.
Prime Minister and Vice Prime Minister sincerely thanked the Chinese government for its long-term support, stating that the project fully reflects the long-standing friendship and firm mutual trust between the two countries, and expressed their willingness to work closely with China to jointly promote the smooth implementation of the project.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
