The annual budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the financial year of 2010 was approved today in the Parliament.
The total budget for Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the year the financial year of 2010 is equivalent to 14,167 millions dollars, which will facilitate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reinforce its capacity to execute the external police .
Within the approved budget Timor-Leste will open an Embassy in Angola and South Africa. This budget also contemplates the following areas:
• Expenses in relation to the preparation for the adhesion of Timor-Leste in ASEAN which is expected to happen in the year of 2012, and
• Continuation and finalization of negotiation about the border delimitation
During the debate the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa answered question by the parliamentarians.
Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa with Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe
Today 24 Nov 09, the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa met with H.E. Mr. Christiaan Tanghe, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Timor-Leste with residence in Jakarta.
Ambassador Tanghe is in Dili to present his credentials to H.E. President Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta
Before the event, Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe made a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa to present a copy of the Credential letter.
Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe presenting a copy ofthe Credential letter
Minister Zacarias da Costa warmly welcomed Ambassador Tanghe and exchanged some views on bilateral affairs between Timor-Leste and Belgium since the Foreign Minister’s visit to Belgium in January this year.
The Foreign Minister expressed “Timor-Leste’s gratitude for Belgium’s long standing support for Timor-Leste before and after the independence, especially since 2002 to date”.
Among the points of discussion were the appointment of next Timor-Leste Ambassador to Belgium and European Union and the Training of Timor-Leste junior diplomats in Belgium.
Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa with Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe and Minsitry of Foreign Affairs' senior staff
Ambassador Tanghe was very pleased to acknowledge Timor-Leste’s interest to enhance the knowledge of its diplomats and to undertake training in Belgium.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations in November 1989, spells out the basic human rights to which children everywhere are entitled. It has since been ratified by all governments .
Timor-Leste ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in April 2003.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa commenting on the situation of the children in Timor-Leste said :
“A lot have been done in Timor-Leste to help the situation of children. However, a lot more still need be done. The statistics on child mortality rates have decreased immensely in later years , but we still far behind the point where we can say that health care for children is in such way that we can now focus on reduce child labor . It is heart braking to see children of 8 , 9 . 10...years old walking on the streets carrying have loads on there young shoulders trying to sell bananas, mangos and other commodities to help support their family income. We need to join our efforts to improve the lives of our children so they can grow within the formal education system and become the future of this country”.
“ We need to work hard to build our country and give dignity to our children’s life! They must be the focus of our priority as they are the future of this country. The Convention on the Rights of the Child stands as a universal standard and is the guideline to help us the correct track in improving our world. Let’s work together and give a better life to Timor-Leste’s children”.END
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
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
Ambassador Juvencio Martins with Deputy Minister of Education Dr Mohd Pudad Bin
Timor-Leste and Malaysia sign Memoradum of Understanding (MOU) on education and training . In a ceremony in the Parliament House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 21 October, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Malaysia, H.E. Juvencio de Jesus Martins, and Dr H. J. Mohd Pudad Bin, Deputy Minister of Education, representing the Government of Malaysia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering education and training.
The MOU covers:
(1) School / institution links (2) Teacher training (3) Educational evaluation (4) Educational planning and research (5) Education management and leadership (6) Technical education and training (7) Curriculum development and (8) Other areas of possible cooperation
Before the ceremony, Ambassador Martins paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin bin Mohamed Yassin.
Ambassador Martins during the courtesy visit to the Minister of Education
“During the meeting we discussed the need for quality training, infrastructure, and the right facilities for teachers in Timor-Leste,” said Mr Martins
In the area of infrastructure, Mr Martins said that due to the recent crisis Timor-Leste still needed almost everything which would assure Timorese they would get a quality education.
During the press conference
In a press conference after the signing of the MOU, Mr Muhyiddin said that as part of cooperation under the agreement, Malaysia would make teacher training a priority. He noted that the majority of Timorese teachers were fluent in Malaysia’s language so they could be trained in Malaysia.
Mr Martins said that trough this sort of cooperation contributes to strengthen the relations relation between both countries
The Deputy Minister indicated his wish to visit Timor-Leste so he could see the challenges in education for himself and meet face to face with Timorese official to discuss further cooperation in education.
Ambassador Natalia Carrascalao with the students at Lisbon airport
Timor-Leste’s new ambassador to Portugal, H.E. Natalia Carrascalao, has urged a new group of Timor-Leste scholarship students to work hard to take full advantage of the opportunities study in Portugal will offer them.
Welcoming the 43 students at Lisbon’s International Airport, Ms Carrascalao told the students: “The future of Timor-Leste lies in your hands.”
She said the Timor-Leste embassy would fully support the students. Other Timorese students already in Portugal would also assist so that the new students could settle in quickly and concentrate on their studies.
The Embassy’s Education Attache, Mr Joao Aparicio, said the students had worked hard for their scholarships.
“The selection procedure was very rigorous. After selection, the students had to learn the Portuguese Language with the assistance of Instituto Camoes then they had to pass Portugal’s university entrance exam in order to take up their scholarships,” Mr Aparicio said.
The students will pursue studies in the areas of law, international relations, human resources management, economics, computer engineering and electornic engineering.
The students travelled to Lisbon accompanied by the Director of the Ministry of Education’s Scholarship Unit, Dr Edmundo Viegas.
Ambassador Natalia Carrascalao with counselor Antonito Araujo and students
Minister Zacarias da Costa with Ambassador Noel Noa Lehoko and Senior Staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Today 11 November 2009, H.E. Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa Minister of Foreign Affairs met with H.E. Mr. Noel Noa Lehoko Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Timor-Leste with residence in Jakarta.
Ambassador Lehoko is in Dili to present his credentials to H.E. President Jose Ramos-Horta today.
Ambassador Lehoko’s courtesy call on the Foreign Minister was to follow up on bilateral issues arise from H.E. Minister Zacarias’ visit to South Africa in August this year.
Minister Zacarias da Costa with Ambassador Noel Noa Lehoko
The issues discussed are within the Framework Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Timor-Leste and South Africa, including the reciprocal establishment of embassies in Pretoria and Dili.
Minister Zacarias da Costa with Ambassador Noel Noa Lehoko
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa and the new Head of UNFAP Mr.Pornchai Suchitta
Today 10 of NovemberH.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa receive the official credentials from Mr. Mr.Pornchai Suchittathe new head of UNFAP in Timor-Leste .
“I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Pornchai Suchitta in the same successful way as I worked with his predecessor .I’m very please with the work UNFAP is doing in Timor-Leste, and I will give the organization the support it needs to develop their work further” said Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa.
In a meeting after the ceremony Mr.Pornchai Suchitta brieffed the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa about the work and proposed directions of the main activities UNFAP is involved in Timor-Leste including: Reproductive Health, Population and Development strategies, Gender.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste recognizes the importance of reducing the country's high population growth rate and spacing births as a way to reach its goals of eradicating poverty and reducing the country's high levels of maternal, infant and child mortality. With the high fertility rate of the nation and a contraceptive prevalence rate of 19.8% for all methods, these has been identified to hamper the country's progress towards the achievement of its NDP objectives and MDGs and so it is for this reason that making quality family planning information and services available and accessible to all is important.
The UNFPA believes in this and thus support the Ministry of Health programme in improving the knowledge and skills of health workers through training, strengthening the country's commodity supply system to ensure that FP commodities and supplies are always available and accessible to all and it’s effort to provide culturally sensitive Family Planning/ birth spacing information using UNFPA supported IEC, media materials through the National BCC strategy in order to create an enabling environment to all couples, women, men and young people specially in the most remote areas.
SAFE MOTHERHOOD INCLUDING EmOC
UNFPA TL supports the national safe motherhood programme in it’s effort to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and improve the overall maternal health of the country. 2 major factors that contribute to the high maternal deaths in Timor are the low use of skilled birth attendants in delivery and lack of access to EMOC. According to the MOH Annual Health Statistics 2008, only 35.6% deliveries are delivered by health personnel.
The Ministry of Health recognizes increasing utilization of skilled birth attendants and timely access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC) are critical and significant interventions to the reduction of the MMR of the nation. To enable EmOC services to be available at the national, referral hospitals and Community Health Centers, UNFPA has supported four OB-GYN specialists to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric care at the hospitals.
Two Timorese general practitioners are receiving UNFPA fully-funded university scholarships for specialist training in obstetrics and gynecology to strengthen national capacity and eventually establish the foundation of Comprehensive EmOC upon their return to Timor Leste. Currently, an EMOC trainer continuously provide training to midwives at the CHC level to ensure that these health workers will be accessible and available to offer Basic EMOC services at the Primary Health Centres and that more women with obstetric complications in remote areas will be reached and immediate obstetric intervention and referral be done.
ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Timor Leste is relatively a young population. Because of this, young people are vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies, STI's/HIV/AIDS, exploitation and violence. Awareness of their sexuality and their reproductive health rights, together with the challenge of entering into relationships should they choose to, will require sensitive public health responses to allow these young individuals to enter society as mature responsible adults. UNFPA is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to support the development of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health module to be incorporated in the secondary school curriculum.
HIV/AIDS
Timor-Leste is a low prevalence country with less than 0.2% of the adult population estimated to be HIV-positive, the number of cases increases especially in the country-border areas. UNFPA continues to work with the Ministry of Health and other key partners by providing technical assistance on HIV prevention and support for the provision of condoms. Logistics management of condom supplies is done as well as and conducting campaigns to promote condom use. UNFPA is working closely with NGOs in implementing programmes with most at-risk groups (MSM and FSW) in TL such as the HIV/AIDS programme in Becora prison.
POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
UNFPA's Population and Development Strategies programme supports the work of its government counterpart, the National Statistics Directorate (NSD), through the provision of technical and financial assistance. The programme aims to develop the Government's capacity to address Timor-Leste's need for up-to-date and reliable population and socio-economic data. This has been achieved through the successful completion of Timor-Leste's first Population and Housing Census as an independent nation in 2004. The Census results have since been analyzed, published online, and disseminated countrywide through workshops held at the district level. The NSD is now working to prepare for Timor-Leste's second Population and Housing Census to be carried out in 2010 - a priority for the Government of Timor-Leste. The Population and Development Strategies programme is also contributing to the implementation of the Timor-Leste's Demographic and Health Survey 2009.
GENDER
In Timor-Leste, gender-based violence is now recognized as a serious ongoing problem. The high prevalence of gender-based violence in Timor-Leste inhibits the ability of Timorese women to participate fully in the life of their nation.
UNFPA has been supporting the Office of Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality (SEPI) and under the Prime Minister's office to 'Strengthen National Capacity to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV). UNFPA has supported the Government to carry out several activities aimed at preventing gender-based violence, such as coordinating the annual 16 Days Campaign, training the national police on nature of gender-based violence, producing television programmes and most importantly, by developing a Law against Domestic Violence, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 19 August 2009. This Law has recently been submitted to the National Parliament for debate.
UNFPA is providing ongoing support to civil society organizations in their provision of support services (medical, legal and psycho-social) to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. It also supports the Secretariat of State for the Promotion of Equality and the Ministry of Social Solidarity in chairing a Referral Network Service Providers Working Group, whose tasks include addressing individual service providers' concerns.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias da Costa with
the Director of AECID Mr. Franciso Lopez Sanz
Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa met with Mr. Francisco de Asis Lopez Sanz, Director of AECID of the Kingdom of Spain in Dili. Minister Zacarias da Costa and Mr.Lopez Sanz discussed issues of bilateral cooperation on aid and development in many areas such as governance, education, health. Cultural issues also were discussed during the meeting especially in the area of preservation and promotion of Timor Leste’s heritage.
The Uma Lulik program with support provided through AECID aims to have Timor-Leste’s ‘Uma Lulik’ recognized in the living heritage part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List under the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
Mr. Sanz also sought support from Timor-Leste on Spain’s candidacy for FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization meeting in Rome which was granted.
The meetings took place on the 5th of November 2009 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias da Costa with Ambassador of E.C. to Timor-Leste, Mr. Juan Carlos Rey Salgado and Mr. Alain Matton head of Administration on issues of bilateral affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa met with the Ambassador of European Commission to Timor-Leste, Mr. Juan Carlos Rey Salgado and Mr. Alain G. Matton head of Administration on issues of bilateral affairs between EC and Timor-Leste. The main issues discussed during the meeting covered areas such as:
1. follow up on African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) and European Union (EU) trade and development issues raised at Pacific Island Forum (PIF) meeting in Cairns –Australia on August this year for Timor-Leste to work closely with ACP Secretariat in Suva –Fiji,
2. forthcoming ratification of EU Lisbon Treaty which foresees changes in EU foreign policy,
3. Forthcoming ASEAN Regional Forum on Maritime Security Seminar in Brussels jointly chaired by Indonesia and European Union to which Timor-Leste is invited to attend.
The meetings took place on the 5th of November 2009 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building
His Excellency Ambassador Constâncio Pinto, presents , to President Barack Obama the letter of Credence accredited him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United States of America. The ceremony was held at the White House today, Wednesday, November 4th, 2009.
Ambassador Pinto replaces Ambassador José Luis Guterres and is the first Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the United States of America to reside in Washington.
Prior to this position, Ambassador Pinto served as the Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Timorese Resistance Movement in the Clandestine Movement (1990-1991); in 1992 soon after the Santa Cruz Massacre he escaped from TL to Portugal and in 1994 was appointed as representative of Timorese Resistance Movement to North America. In 2002 he became Minister-Counselor/Charge d'Affairs of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Washington,D.C. a position that he held for five years. As Charge d'Affairs, Ambassador Pinto was responsible for setting-up the Embassy of Timor-Leste to the United States of America and performed the day-to-day affairs of the Embassy. in June 2008 Ambassador Pinto returned to Timor-Leste to become Director General or External Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste and the United States of America have been enjoying cordial diplomatic relations since 2002. The United States is one of the countries established diplomatic missions in Timor-Leste on May 20th, 2002, the day Timor-Leste restored its independence . The United States is, however, one of the largest Timor-Leste's development partners.
Ambassador Pinto did his undergraduate studies in Economic Development ,Brown University,Rhode Island, and Masters in International Relations,Columbia University,New York. He co-author the book entitled East Timor Unfinished Struggle: inside East Timorese Resistance
