Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa with the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr Tony Browne, and Ambassador Mr. Tim McIvor
Today 16 Nov- 2009 the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs from New Zealand, Mr. Tony Browne accompanied by H.E Ambassador of New Zealand to Timor-Leste, Mr. Tim McIvor, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs , Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa.
Mr. Bowne is in a working visit to Timor-Leste as from 15 until 17 of November 2009.
“It is a pleasure to be in Timor-Leste, especially when our relationship is growing now in a more stable security environment. We are happy to be part of the growth of the new country and we are looking forward to co-operate even more in the future.The commitment of New Zealand government is such that we have decide 1 million dollars extra to Timor-Leste aid” said Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs from New Zealand Mr. Tony Browne.
Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa with the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tony Browne,
Ambassador Mr. Tim McIvor and Senior Staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Mr. Tim McIvor and Senior Staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The main issues discussed during the meetings covered areas of cooperation between Timor-Leste and New Zealand, the forthcoming adhesion of Timor-Leste in ASEAN and its importance to Timor-Leste. “Timor-Leste has to look at its priorities in the region and it is important for us to join the ASEAN which expected to happen in 2012. In the preparation for this big step we have set our priorities. To facilitate our work we created already the National Secretariat for ASEAN and we have established in Jakarta a Liaison officer for ASEAN secretariat in Jakarta. We have appointed already ambassadors to all ASEAN countries and have embassies in most of them. I think from our side we can add values to ASEAN countries. We share the same views in the human rights and democracy.”
Minister Zacarias also said that “Timor-Leste adhesion to ASEAN is a State priority.”
Timor-Leste’s economical expectation was also discussed during the meeting Minister Zacarias da Costa highlighted that “Besides the oil industry, Timor Leste is very strong in the production of coffee which still is the number one of Timor-Leste’s export. In relation to agriculture, this is one of the main potential for our economy, but at this stage there is a need of being self-sufficient first and than think about exporting; In relation to fishery, there is a potential there. Our shore is very rich; we need to protect our waters. Yes the maritime security is an issue for us.”
Mr. Brown expressed that New Zealand is looking forward and is committed to work together with Timor-Leste.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa was invited to visit New Zealand next year and he reciprocated the invitation for his counterpart to visit Timor-Leste. END
