Secretariat of State for Defense consolidates cooperation with the Australian Government
On August 4th, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Secretariat of State for Defense, held a bilateral meeting with the Australian Government in the Secretariat of State for Defense’s conference room, in order to strengthen cooperation in the areas of infrastructure and training.
The Director-General of the Secretariat of State for Defense, João Corte-Real, said that "Australia has been a partner that has provided support to Timor-Leste, particularly to FALINTIL- Timor-Leste Defense Force. This bond of cooperation between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Government of Australia, in the areas of infrastructure and training, was reflected particularly in the repair of the Storeroom for Timor-Leste Defense Force, as well as the construction of a warehouse in Baucau. "
The Director-General also added that this is an annual cooperation, and that in addition to what was mentioned above, other assistance was provided in training English in various training schools abroad and in the Secretariat of State for Defense, as well as in the F-FDTL Training Centre. So far, 100 F-FDTL soldiers have attended their studies in Australia and, according to the delegate of the Australian Ministry of Defense, there is a commitment to provide continuity in the year 2012.
The meeting was attended by F-FDTL Major-General, Taur Matan Ruak; Brigadier-General Lere Anan Timor, the Colonels Falur Rate Laek and Mau-Nana and Colonel Coliati, Major Rizai; the Lieutenant Colonels Triz and Donaciano Gomez and the Director-General of the Secretariat of State for Defense, João Corte-Real. The Australian delegation attended with the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Miles Armitage, the Delegate of the Australian Ministry of Defense, Tyson Sara and Elizabeth White, Colonel Andrew Duff, Captain Kenneth and Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Wright.
