The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and the Minister of Finance, Emília Pires, are on an official visit in the Republic of South Sudan, where they were received, on October 16, by seven Government Ministers in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

At a press conference at the airport of that city, the Chief of the Timorese Government, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance of South Sudan, said: “This visit aims to bring the solidarity of the Timorese Government and people to this new country, declared independent on July 9, 2011 after a referendum – held under the auspices of the United Nations – where 99% of the population voted for independence”.

This visit also aims to share experiences and strengthen the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been established recently, on October 13, with the Permanent Ambassador of South Sudan at the United Nations.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, in addition to this visit, will attend the meeting of representatives of countries members of the g7 +, which takes place on 18 and 19. As Chairman of this meeting, Timor-Leste will gather opinions and prepare strategies to be presented to the rich countries and donors at a forthcoming meeting to be held in Busan, South Korea.