Timor-Leste and China strengthen cooperation ties for a comprehensive strategic partnership
On September 23rd, 2023, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão held a bilateral meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, in Hangzhou, China, intending to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, various bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest were discussed, and both sides agreed to elevate relations between the two countries towards a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, expressed his gratitude to China for the continuous support from the time of resistance until Timor-Leste's independence. He also recalled his meeting with President Xi Jinping in 2014, during which they signed an important bilateral cooperation agreement, and reiterated his continued support for the Belt and Road initiative, an important response to infrastructure needs in the region. He also thanked China for supporting Timor-Leste during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the supply of vaccines and equipment to help the country respond to this global crisis.
Timor-Leste is committed to deepening its bilateral relations with China and contributing to regional and global stability and development. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that a cooperation plan between the governments of the People's Republic of China and Timor-Leste to promote the 'Belt and Road' initiative will be finalised soon, focusing on areas such as industrial revitalisation, infrastructure development, food self-sufficiency and improving living conditions.
President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expressed his continued support for Timor-Leste's development.
China's Head of State also congratulated Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, on their recent electoral victories, in which the Timorese people have once again placed their trust to lead the nation.
Xanana Gusmão took the opportunity to congratulate China for organising the 19th edition of the Asian Games, a significant opportunity for the young people from Timor-Leste who are taking part in the event.
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão de Sousa, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, Nelyo Isaac and the Timor-Leste Ambassador to China, Abrão Santos, accompanied the Prime Minister at this meeting.
