The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, received a visit from a delegation of the World Bank on 13th February 2023, led by the Vice President of the World Bank for East Asia and the Pacific, Manuela Ferro.

During the meeting, the Government Minister, the Vice President, and the rest of the World Bank delegation reflected on the challenges that Timor-Leste faces, as well as the opportunities and priorities for creating truly transformative and structural changes for national development.

Manuela Ferro reiterated the World Bank’s willingness to continue supporting Timor-Leste in various sectors, particularly in the field of education and human resource development, as well as in supporting the process of ASEAN membership.

The recently signed agreement to establish a common cross-border economic zone between Timor-Leste and Indonesia was also discussed, as well as efforts to combat malnutrition and stunting, which are significant priorities of the Eighth Constitutional Government.

Also present at the meeting were the World Bank’s Director for Timor-Leste and Indonesia, Satu Kahkonen, the World Bank’s representative in Timor-Leste, Bernard Harborne, and the remaining members of the delegation.