Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the 9th Southwest Pacific Ministerial Dialogue
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zacarias da Costa, attended the 9th Southwest Pacific Ministerial Dialogue, which took place in Bali, on April 2.
During the meeting, held on the sidelines of the summit of the foreign affairs ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Zacarias da Costa underlined the importance of the Bali Democracy Forum, and reiterated Timor-Leste’s commitment to promote, together with the member countries, the deepening of democracy and dialogue for peace and prosperity in the region.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed and exchanged views on issues related to maritime security, humanitarian assistance in disasters, the fight against terrorism, democracy and the link between people, as well as other development issues in the region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs led the discussion on democracy and praised the strong commitment of all countries, members of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue, in the defense of democratic principles, human rights and good governance.
The 9th Southwest Pacific Ministerial Dialogue was chaired by the Australia Foreign Affairs Minister, Kevin Rudd. and had the participation of the counterparts from Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa, New Zealand, Murray McCully, Papua New Guinea, Ano Pala, and Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Albert del Rosário.
The Director-General for Regional Affairs, Marciano da Silva, the Ambassadors Juvêncio Martins, Roberto Soares and Manuel Serrano, as well as the Chief of Staff, João Tavares, were part of the delegation accompanying the Minister Zacarias da Costa.
