The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zacarias Albano da Costa, met with the ASEAN Secretary-General, Surin Pitsuwan, on the 23rd, in Jakarta.
Xanana Gusmão reiterated the intention of Timor-Leste to join ASEAN as a State Member, making a commitment about the development of the country’s infrastructures, according to the National Development Strategic Plan (NDSP)
Once again, the Secretary-General showed himself interested in cooperating in the integration of Timor-Leste in ASEAN, especially in the preparation of the human resources capacity building and technical area, with the condition that Timor-Leste is admitted as a State Member.
Surin Pitsuwan also referred that since Timor-Leste is not implicated in the economic aspect , it should adjust its laws that so in the future it can attract investment and commerce from the other ASEAN countries. In response, Xanana Gusmão indicated that this is a Timor-Leste commitment to ASEAN, to work together to ensure that Timor-Leste can attract investment.
Other important aspects, suggested by the Secretary-General, related to the communication area and the investments destined to the youth, so that in the future they can be capable of competing in the quality of State member.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity of this courtesy visit, to invite the ASEAN Secretary-General to participate in the 10th Anniversary of the Timor-Leste Restoration of Independence that will take place on May 20th, 2012. Surin Pitsuwan made it known that he will visit Timor-Leste this year, to accompany closely the country’s current conditions and manifested to be available to participate in the celebrations.
Integrated in the Prime Minister’s party were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zacarias Albano da Costa, the Minister of Economy and Development, João Gonçalves and the Timor-Leste Ambassador in Indonesia, Manuel Serrano.