WEF ASEAN 2018: PM receives Timor-Leste Foreign Minister

PM Phuc congratulated Timor-Leste on the establishment of a new government headed by PM Mari Alkatiti, believing that under the leadership of the new government, Timor-Leste will maintain stability and strong development, thus contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Having hailed positive strides in Vietnam-Timor-Leste relations, the PM suggested the two nations further promote bilateral cooperation more comprehensively by increasing the exchange of delegations and setting up periodic exchange mechanisms, firstly the joint committee as agreed in the Frame Agreement on Technical and Economic Cooperation.

He said ministries and representative agencies of the two countries need to work harder to regain the growth momentum in trade and investment, and expand cooperation in potential areas such as agriculture, fishing and oil and gas.

Soares thanked the Vietnamese Government for its support and assistance to Timor-Leste over the past time as well as its reception of 20 military students for English and Vietnamese language training.

The minister promised to soon complete procedures for the implementation of the already-sign bilateral trade agreement and launch negotiations for the signing of a bilateral investment agreement.

Timor-Leste will create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses, including Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, to operate in the country, he affirmed.

PM Phuc spoke highly of cooperation between the two nations at regional and international forums such as the United Nations, and thanked Timor-Leste for its commitment to backing Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 term.