Timor-Leste signs two new cooperation agreements with the European Union
Two new agreements signed between the European Union and Timor-Leste foresee an assistance of 61.3 million euros over the next five years. The agreements were signed on March 30th, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in the presence of the Ambassador of the European Union in Timor-Leste.
The programmes included in the agreements will strengthen management and oversight of public finances and support a sustainable partnership for the agro-forestry and forestry sector.
The initiatives included in the forestry programme will be developed through cooperation delegated to the German agency GIZ and the International Labour Organization, with special focus in the municipalities of Baucau, Covalima, Lautem, Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque.
The good governance support programme includes two components: the first for budgetary support to the Ministry of Finance, and the second to be conducted through the cooperation delegated in the Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, will support the monitoring by higher institutions such as the National Parliament, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Board of Auditors and the Scientific Police for Criminal Investigation of Timor-Leste, among others.
The European Union is one of the five main partners for international cooperation in Timor-Leste. It should be noted that, since 1999, the support given to the country by the European Union exceeds 300 million dollars.
