DILI, 13 january 2025 (TATOLI) — Be’e Timor-Leste (BTL) welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Yasushi Yamamoto, at its Bairopite laboratory on Tuesday. The visit is part of preparations for a Japanese parliamentary delegation scheduled to visit Timor-Leste from january 15 to 17, 2026.
After the visit, Ambassador Yamamoto praised the success of water sector projects implemented in collaboration with the Timorese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“I am pleased to see how successful this project is. Japan will continue supporting the water sector for the people of Timor-Leste,” he said.
The ambassador emphasized that water and sanitation remain key priorities for Japan due to their direct impact on public health.
He highlighted the importance of safe, clean, and sustainable water supply as a fundamental necessity.
“Alongside the medical and infrastructure sectors, water is a top priority for Japan in supporting Timor-Leste. We will do whatever is needed to assist the country,” Yamamoto added.
BTL Chairman Gustavo da Cruz described the ambassador’s visit as an honor: “This visit is part of the preparation for the Japanese parliamentary delegation, who will visit the BTL water treatment station this week,” Gustavo said.
He explained that the ambassador wanted to assess the facilities and BTL’s readiness ahead of the delegation’s visit. “Operations at BTL are running smoothly with technical support from Japan through JICA,” Gustavo stressed.
He said that that the parliamentary visit is also part of oversight and evaluation of Japan’s assistance to Timor-Leste, particularly in the water and sanitation sector.
“All support is approved by the Japanese Parliament, so it is their responsibility to visit and see the results of the assistance firsthand,” he said.
Since Timor-Leste’s independence, Japan has been a key partner in developing the country’s water sector. Support has included the construction of the Bairopite water treatment station, water systems in Mutudare, Ainaro and Liquiça, and water distribution in Dili.
Japan has also invested in human resources by providing training for BTL staff in Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. Japanese experts have visited Timor-Leste to provide on-site training in water facility maintenance and repair.
The Japanese parliamentary delegation visiting Timor-Leste will include representatives from three political parties: Ishida Masahiro and Adachi Masashi from the Liberal Democratic Party, Koga Chikage from the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Ueda Kiyoshi from the Democratic Party.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
