Meeting between Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste and China Strengthens the Bilateral Economic Cooperation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito Dos Santos Freitas, held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, in Chongzuo, China, on April 4th, 2024. Accompanied by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste in the People’s Republic of China, Loro Horta, they discussed strengthening the cooperation of both countries.
During the meeting, the Government of China committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s economic development, with special emphasis on the infrastructure, agriculture, and industry sectors. Strengthening Timor-Leste’s human resources capacity through scholarship and training was also highlighted.
Both countries' Ministers of Foreign Affairs expressed their intention to further strengthen diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation in favour of common interests.
Wang Yi highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, recalling that China was the first country to recognise Timor-Leste’s independence. Since then, bilateral relations have progressed significantly, culminating in the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership, agreed upon in September 2023 at the meeting of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping.
Cooperation will cover various sectors, including industrial revitalisation, infrastructure, food self-sufficiency, and livelihood improvement, in line with the Belt and Road Initiative.
The establishment of a working group for cooperation in agriculture and the development of Timor-Leste's infrastructure was proposed, as well as increasing the exchange of human resources and strengthening cultural, educational, and professional cooperation.
China reiterated its support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN and offered to provide aid through the Global Development Initiative.
Timor-Leste's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Loro Horta, emphasised China's global influence and the importance of this official visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, to further consolidate bilateral relations between the two Countries.
During the bilateral meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, also discussed the upcoming State visit to China by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta.
The meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste and China represents a significant advance in bilateral cooperation, with a focus on economic development. It also demonstrates the renewed commitment of both countries to strengthening their diplomatic and cooperation ties.
