Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, received this Friday, April 16, 2021, at the Government Palace, in Dili, the Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Xiao Jianguo. This meeting was an opportunity to update on developments regarding COVID-19, the floods that occurred on April 4th and the Government’s policy on recovery.

After updating this information, the Head of Government called for support from China for the recovery plan and in particular support for temporary houses or shelters for families affected during the floods.

Answering the request for support for the provisional shelters, the Chinese Ambassador in Timor-Leste, Xiao Jianguo, said that he has already taken note of this situation and added that China has the strong commitment to continue to work together with the Timor-Leste Government, and always give its support. Regarding the letter from the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, directed to his Chinese counterpart, there is also a positive sign, with China ready to offer vaccines produced in China to the Timor-Leste Government, guaranteeing that this vaccine is safe and is being used by several countries, including Indonesia. The ambassador also pointed out that China is ready to help Timor-Leste in the reconstruction plan.

Meanwhile, the Timor-Leste Government has also requested support from Australia to help build 1,000 temporary prefabricated houses to facilitate the temporary rehousing of families whose homes were totally damaged last April 4th, especially in Tasitolu, on the banks of streams and hillsides.