Timor-Leste will continue to pursue enhanced cooperation with ASEAN,
noting its particular interest to observe meetings of ASEAN sectoral bodies,
convene regular workshops and seminars in Timor-Leste on ASEAN activities, and
send officers to undertake internships at the ASEAN Secretariat, a statement
released by the secretariat on Thursday.
This message was conveyed by the
newly-appointed Secretary of State for ASEAN Affairs of Timor-Leste, Dr.
Roberto Soares, who paid a courtesy call on Wednesday to ASEAN
Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, at the ASEAN Secretariat.
In the exchange of views with
Surin, Soares reaffirmed Timor- Leste’s strong commitment to join ASEAN.
In response, the
Secretary-General encouraged Timor-Leste to increase its engagement with the
ASEAN region, urging Timor-Leste to establish embassies in all ASEAN Member
States.
Currently Timor-Leste has opened
its embassies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and
Vietnam.
The Secretary-General also noted
that Timor-Leste may increase its cooperation with ASEAN through its role as a
member of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Timor-Leste had in February 2011
applied for membership to ASEAN. The application is currently being considered
by the ASEAN member states.
Surin further highlighted the
importance of the private sector in the economic development of Timor-Leste and
the need to attract investments from ASEAN member states in Timor-Leste.
Touching on recent developments
in Timor-Leste, Soares highlighted the outcomes of the country’s presidential
and parliamentary elections held in March and June this year respectively,
which were observed by members of the ASEAN Regional Forum Election Observation
Mission.
Soares emphasized that
transparent and credible elections reflect Timor-Leste’s seriousness to move a
step ahead in its nation-building process.
Souce:Xinhua
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