DILI, 30 july 2024 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, accompanied by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, held a bilateral meeting with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and members of the Government, to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
During the bilateral meeting, President Ramos-Horta and President Xi Jinping also discussed cooperation programs in various fields, including institutional strengthening, infrastructures, human resources training, agriculture, health, education and others.
After the meeting, the Heads of State of Timor-Leste and China also witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of Timor-Leste and China represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito Freitas and the National Development Strengthening Commission of China, Zhen Shanjie, on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Minister Bendito Freitas also signed two other agreements, namely, with the China International Cooperation Development Agency, Lou Zhaohui on economic technical cooperation and also with the Civil Aviation Administration of China on the Aero Service Agreement between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas considers, Belt and Road Initiative agreement is very important, I can guarantee partnership services with China on connectivity, infrastructure development and others.
“Especially regarding the Belt and Road agreement, it is very important to ensure cooperation in partnership with China on connectivity, the development of the infrastructure sector, which is a priority of the Chinese Government, which was initiated by the President Xi Jingpin’s started in 2013,” he said.
The Belt and Road Initiative-BRI has now become a global program linked to global connectivity, infrastructure development and telecommunications.
On the same occasion, President Ramos-Horta and President Xi Jinping, also witnessed the signing of the agreement between Timor-Leste and China, represented by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to strengthen investment cooperation in the digital economy and promote investment cooperation in green development.
Other important agreements that Timor-Leste and China have also signed are in areas such as promoting the implementation of global development initiatives and promoting Chinese cooperation infrastructure projects, cooperation agreements with Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, HanJun on consolidation and agricultural cooperation between two countries.
Likewise with the National Radio and Television Administration of China, regarding cooperation in the field of Radio and Television, Timor-Leste News Agency (TATOLI.I.P), and RTTL, e.p and China Media Group (CMG) to exchange news content between media institutions of both countries.
The signing of these agreements, in the context of the state visit of the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta to China, to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The delegation that accompanied the Head of State consisted of Deputy Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas and other members of the Government including Chief of Staff General F-FDTL, Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek and others.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
