Japan reiterates support for Timor-Leste in economic, tourism and infrastructure development
On July 28th, 2023, the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, received the visit of the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, Tetsuya Kimura, at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment in Dili.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kimura conveyed to the Vice Prime Minister Japan’s willingness to continue supporting Timor-Leste in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure and economy. 
It is also envisaged to send Japanese technical experts to support relevant national ministries and to provide training in the field of tourism.
Ambassador Kimura took the opportunity to extend an invitation from the Japanese Government to Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay to visit Japan and attend the leaders’ summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan’s relations with ASEAN next December.
During the meeting, the Vice Prime Minister and the diplomat discussed exchange programs for young people from the two countries.
Other major infrastructure projects supported by Japan were also discussed, such as the rehabilitation project of President Nicolau Lobato International Airport, emphasising the importance of this project and the need for the project to move forward soon.
