Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Dili, September 16th, 2016
Prime Minister & Government Ministers to attend United Nations General Assembly
The Prime Minister departs from Dili this Saturday, the 17th of September, on route to the United States of America where he will participate in the United Nations General Assembly and a series of associated events and meetings. The Government is represented in the delegation accompanying the Prime Minister by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation H.E. Hernâni Coelho, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, H.E. Alfredo Pires, and the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Chief Negotiator for Maritime Boundaries and g7+ Eminent Person, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The General Assembly, which brings together Heads of State and Government from around the globe, and the many meetings and events that occur at this time, present a unique opportunity to promote Timor-Leste’s national interests and engage with other world leaders, thinkers and decision makers.
The General Debate of this year’s Assembly, focuses on the theme: “The Sustainable Development Goals: a universal push to transform our world.” Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Rui Maria Araújo is currently scheduled to speak in the General Debate on Saturday morning the 24th of September.
Timor-Leste was involved in the development of the SDGs and after their launch at last year’s Assembly the Prime Minister announced that Timor-Leste would now be a champion of their implementation as a member of the SDG Champions Group.
In the USA the Prime Minister and delegation will undertake a comprehensive schedule of meetings in New York, Washington, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Indianapolis. Bilateral meetings with other state leaders, official side events, speaking engagements at Universities and Colleges, roundtable meetings with groups such as the Asia Society and Atlantic Council, and participation in key panels, will all contribute to lifting the visibility of Timor-Leste and the strengthening of international relationships.
Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira, noted “we live in a globalized world where it is imperative to promote our national interests in the international arena and strengthen our relationships with other states and regions. The intense program ahead for the Prime Minister and delegation in the USA is set to make an important contribution in achieving these outcomes.”
The Prime Minister departs New York City on the 29th of September.ENDS