Government of Timor-Leste

The Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Miguel Manetelo, had a meeting on April 30th with his Indonesian homologous, the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, Roy Soryo, to discuss the holding of the Border Games, arising from an agreement signed in 2012.

The agreement was signed at the Government Palace of Timor-Leste, by the former Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia, Andi Mallarangeng, and the current Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Miguel Manetelo, being present the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

After the meeting, Miguel Manetelo informed that they agreed on the implementation of some points of the agreement, being one of them the holding of the Border Games.

In the General State Budget for 2014, the Government of Timor-Leste allocated an amount of USD$70.000,00, for this activity.

Miguel Manetelo requested to his homologous, Roy Suryo, to coordinate with the Indonesian Ministry of Justice and Immigration on the necessary mechanisms, in order to facilitate the movability of the population wishing to watch the games.

According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Border Games are an important step towards the strengthening of the friendship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, through youth and sport activities.

According to the plan, there will be five districts, located at the border of both countries, which will participate in the Games. From Timor-Leste, it will be the districts of Covalima, Bobonaro, Oecusse-Ambeno, Ainaro and Liquiçá, and from Indonesia it will be the districts of Belo, Soe, Kefa, Atambua e Kupang.

Apart from the games, this is also an appropriate moment for the communities to show their cultural activities.