On April 23, 2012 the Foreign Minister, Zacarias Albano da Costa, met with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Emily Habert, in Berlin.

Zacarias Albano da Costa thanked the German Government and people for the commitment and support provided to Timor-Leste. The Minister addressed the politics and society and the development of Timor-Leste, as well as the successes in the recent presidential elections in addition to Timor-Leste’s process of accession to ASEAN and the future of the UN mission in the country after the end of UNMIT in December 2012.

“We expect the UN to finish its Peacekeeping mission but continue to remain politically relevant in Timor-Leste”, added the Minister.

Emily Habert, representing the German Government, praised the success of state building in Timor-Leste saying that her Government will continue to lend its support to the country, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and she took the opportunity express her appreciation for the support of the Government of Timor-Leste in the international forum, especially with regards to Germany’s application to the UN Security Council.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by the Timor-Leste Ambassador to Brussels, UK and Germany, Nelson dos Santos, the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste to Germany, Peter Badge, and by his Chief of Staff, Emanuel Tilman.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ visit to Germany took place between April 20 and 24, 2012 and it also included the objective of officially inaugurating the Timor-Leste Honorary Consul to Germany. After this visit, Zacarias Albano da Costa and his delegation continue on to Brussels, Belgium for a working visit.