Prime Minister meets Japanese counterpart
The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, expressed his appreciation for the participation of the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, together with the Heads of State and Government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in the Summit Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Friendship and Cooperation between ASEAN and Japan, during a meeting held at the Nagata-cho Government Building, Chiyoda, Tokyo, on December 16th, 2023.
Fumio Kishida emphasised the importance of strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, thanking Timor-Leste for its active participation in the ASEAN-Japan summit, as well as the mutual intention to develop a new joint vision based on the "heart-to-heart" principle, with concrete plans for cooperation in various areas. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between Japan and the ASEAN member countries to face today's complex challenges and achieve peace and prosperity in the region.
The Japanese Head of Government reiterated his strategic commitment to the development of ASEAN and his support for Timor-Leste's full membership of ASEAN.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Kishida for Japan's continued support for the Timorese state-building process, national infrastructure development and Timor-Leste's full membership of ASEAN by 2025.
He also thanked Japan for the invitation to participate in this summit, which he considered a significant opportunity to strengthen cooperation ties with Japan and the ASEAN countries.
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel and Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Japan, Ilídio Ximenes da Costa, accompanied the Prime Minister at this meeting.
The following day, December 17th, the Prime Minister also attended a dinner at Akasaka Palace, hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister for the ASEAN Heads of State and Government, as part of the 50th ASEAN-Japan Summit.
During the dinner, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão had the opportunity to meet with other ASEAN leaders, including the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, and the Prime Minister of Brunei Darussalam, Hassanal Bolkiah, to discuss regional issues and strengthen cooperation ties.
