The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, paid a visit to Zhejiang Gongshang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, on September 22nd, 2023.
During his visit, the Head of Government was welcomed by the Magnificent Rector of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Wang Yonggui, and professors and students to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the education sector.
Zhejiang Gongshang University is a higher education institution in China with an excellent reputation and an outstanding educational system.
The Magnificent Rector of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Wang Yonggui, expressed his desire to establish bilateral cooperation with the Government of Timor-Leste in education, emphasising the humanities and other priority areas.
The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, thanked the University for its willingness to support improving the quality of education in Timor-Leste. He expressed his confidence that this cooperation will further strengthen ties between China and Timor-Leste.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Xanana delivered a scientific lecture to students on “The Changing Shape of Asia: from China to Timor-Leste”.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of China as a strategic partner during the independence period, with financial support for the development of infrastructure in Timor-Leste and in supporting Timor-Leste’s membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Magnificent Rector of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Wang Yonggui, stated that “Zhejiang Gongshang University is interested in establishing a cooperation project with the Government of Timor-Leste in the education sector” “in the area of the humanities to strengthen education as an important pillar for Timor-Leste’s development”.
Wang Yonggui also recalled that China and Timor-Leste have had diplomatic relations for 20 years and that cooperation between the two countries has contributed to mutual development.
The Rector emphasised the importance of Prime Minister Xanana’s scientific lecture, which he considered to be a form of inspiration and motivation for teachers and students to understand the vision of Timor-Leste and China in the Asian context.
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão de Sousa, and the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, Nelyo Isaac, accompanied the Prime Minister at this visit.