rime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, and the CEO of the Woodside Oil Company, Mrs. Meg O’Neill, held last Thursday a very positive virtual meeting, in which the development process of the strategic project of the Greater Sunrise oil field was analysed.

During the 30-minute meeting, the Head of Government thanked and expressed his appreciation to Woodside for their partnership with the Timor-Leste Government in petroleum exploration activities. The Prime Minister added that the Timor-Leste Government remains keen to partner with Woodside shortly to enable the Greater Sunrise strategic project which can help lift the people of Timor-Leste out of poverty, as Timor-Leste relies heavily on the Petroleum Fund for its national development process.

The Chief of the Executive also pointed out that the Greater Sunrise field was discovered 40 years ago, but so far it has not been possible to develop it, which has caused a loss of many resources by the entities involved. Therefore, according to the Chief of the Government, this is an opportune moment to reach a good solution for the development of Greater Sunrise.

The Prime Minister hopes that Woodside, Timor Gap, and the joint venture partners can make a technical effort to complete this significant project, the sooner the better, to the benefit of the people of two countries, Timor-Leste and Australia, and the other entities involved.

Lastly, the Head of Government stated that the Government of Timor-Leste would fully collaborate with the Government of Australia to enable and assist in implementing this project.

For her part, Woodside CEO, Meg O’Neill expressed her satisfaction and pride at being able to speak directly with the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, sharing her thoughts on the development process of the Greater Sunrise field: “Woodside is delighted to be able to work together with the Government of Timor-Leste on petroleum exploration activity.

The Woodside CEO also thanked Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, for his commitment and efforts toward the exploration of the Greater Sunrise field.