Through its embassy in Timor-Leste, the Government of the People’s Republic of China officially handed over two buses to the Government of Timor-Leste at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili. The vehicles were handed over by the Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Wan Wenli, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas. 

Minister Bendito Freitas emphasised that “these high-quality vehicles can be used for important events and for transporting dignitaries” and also stressed that relations between Timor-Leste and China go back to the struggle for independence and that this cooperation has been strengthened over the years, with support in various areas, including Timor-Leste’s accession process to ASEAN. 

Ambassador Wan Wenli recalled that the donation of these buses was agreed during Minister Bendito Freitas’ official visit to China, which took place at the invitation of China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi. The Ambassador wished that “these luxury vehicles could be useful in diplomatic activities and state visits to Timor-Leste”. 

“Timor-Leste is a young nation, but it already stands out in a very energetic way in the diplomatic field, with many activities led by President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas”, added the Ambassador.