The Joint Consultation ASEAN 2030:Timor-Leste’s Perspective

Dili-28th May 2011

 Dr. Marciano da Silva, Director General for Regional Integration,

 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste

On Monday the 30th May 2011, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a joint effort with the Ministry of Finance and with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank Institute and the Asian Development Bank will hold a Joint Consultation entitled ASEAN 2030: Timor Leste’s Perspective at “Salão Nobre”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

The Joint Consultation aims to share information on the economic development of all ASEAN member states. It will all look at the economic development of Timor-Leste.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will share information with regard to Timor-Leste’s preparation for joining ASEAN. 

Dr. Marciano da Silva, Director General for Regional Integration, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste said,  “The Joint Consultation will explore all the benefits that Timor-Leste will accrue from joining ASEAN.  It will also examine the challenges that Timor-Leste will face from ASEAN membership.”  Dr. da Silva added, “This event is part of raising awareness among all government and state institutions, as well as other stakeholders, on the importance of Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership.”

Similar events will continue to be held in Timor-Leste aimed at involving all government senior officials in understanding ASEAN, its role in the region and its impact on Timor-Leste’s development.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 am, Monday 30th May in “Salão Nobre”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

STATEMENT BY HE DR. ZACARIAS ALBANO DA COSTA MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AT NAM

Bali, 23-27 May 2011

Minister Zacarias da Costa, delivering his speech

STATEMENT BY

HE DR. ZACARIAS ALBANO DA COSTA

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

AT THE

XVI MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE

AND COMMEMORATIVE MEETING

OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT

Mr. Chairman,

Honorable Ministers

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen

Allow me first to thank the Republic of Indonesia for hosting this 16^th Ministerial Conference, and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement. Indonesia is a fitting host for this historic event, as home to the Bandung Principles, and as one of the original founding members in 1954.

Let me also take this opportunity to commend the Arab Republic of Egypt for its stewardship of the work of the Movement since 2009, and for their historic role in the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Today, we not only reaffirm the founding principles of the movement, but we use this opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of the past fifty-years, and the way forward to revitalize our movement to effectively respond to contemporary global challenges. It is fitting that the theme of this meeting is entitled: shared vision on the contribution of NAM for the next fifty years, which invites us on this journey of reflection.

A journey that spans from the time five progressive leaders met and reached an agreement on a common vision for our countries. A vision that would promote the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the non-aligned countries, which remains relevant to the comtemporary realities and challenges that we all are facing today.

Mr Chairman, Honourable Ministers

Distinguished Delegates,

The geo-political landscape of the world has changed in the last 50 years. What began as a movement in response to the East-West divide, has transformed and matured since the height of the Cold War. The strength of the Non-Aligned Movement lies in the diversity of its membership, stretching from Africa to Asia, from the Americas to the Pacific. In 1961 the movement began with 25 members and we have now grown to 118. In this regard, I take this opportunity to welcome Azerbaijan and Fiji.

With our vast resources, member states have and continue to be drivers of economic development. These resources allow us to call for more balanced representation for the developing world, and for a stronger voice in the existing global decision making architecture.

In revitalizing NAM we must look at both its founding principles and at contemporary realities. We must also look at areas that are important for our development and the active promotion and effective participation of developing countries in the international community.

Constructive dialogue amongst States in pursuit of our shared goals and values is key to addressing the multiple challenges. Such dialogue must be grounded in a vision of shared responsibilities, and must be based on respect for national ownership.

Enhanced partnership must take advantage of the movement’s diversity and richness in membership to forge strong alliances. Despite our differences, our problems and its solutions are common.

With 118 countries the movement comprises more than half of UN membership. Through unified positions, as a group, we can use our collective voice to defend our positions, effect change and create growth and development. We can also improve the plight of our people for a better and just world.

In today’s globalized world, the challenges we face are multifaceted and crosscutting. The immediate problems of climate change, transnational crime, terrorism, and human trafficking, are compounded by the lingering effects of the recent food, fuel and financial crises, and highlight the need for both global solutions and effective and enhanced partnership.

Addressing these common challenges requires greater coordination between us on political, economic and social issues, in the context of South-South cooperation. It is also imperative that we strengthened the dialogue under the North-South framework, which is in keeping with the spirit of NAM.

The Bandung Principles should be a catalyst in this endeavor. In moving towards recognizing the equality of all nations, races and people, it is also important to highlight the need to empower women and the youth.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women are critical to the sustainable development of our countries. Increasing educational and economic opportunities for women and youth have an exponential effect on society, creating the conditions necessary for development without depending on outside aid and the conditionality’s that come with it. NAM should have a prominent role in the empowerment of women and the engagement of youth, as they are mutually beneficial for all.

In the same regard, it is equally important to reiterate universal respect for fundamental human rights and for the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. As this is the first Bandung Principle it is not only compatible with the NAM position, but should be strongly promoted.

My country advocates this principle along with the importance of democracy, rule of law, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and solidarity between peoples and nations. Timor-Leste’s Constitution codifies the entitlement of all to fundamental human rights and they are integrated in our policies.

As such, we follow with concern the developments in the world today, as well as the continuing situation of those in the Non-Self Governing territories. The ongoing oppression of peoples constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, contravenes the Bandung Principles, the United Nations Charter, and impedes the promotion of world peace and cooperation.

Timor-Leste has long supported the struggle for self-determination and independence of the Palestinian and Sahrawi people, as was reaffirmed by NAM during the Sharm El Sheikh summit in 2009. In particular, we remain concerned at the human rights situation in the refugee camps, and the ongoing unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict and affirm our support for ongoing efforts to peacefully resolve this conflict.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, these are some of the challenges we face in reinvigorating the Non-Aligned Movement for the future.

This forum has a key role in shaping that future, and in doing so, we must look for equitable and fair solutions. The world has changed and indeed NAM must continue to change and adapt in order to navigate the future path. In adapting to the new realities we must preserve the core of the movement’s fundamental principles and objectives.

This gathering presents an opportunity for fruitful dialogue for the movement, to develop its vision, and to recalibrate our strategy to ensure that is responsive to the evolving complex challenges that lie ahead in the next 50 years.

You may count on myself and Timor Leste to continue to work along side you in meeting these challenges.

Thank you.

Foreign Minister Calls for NAM Revitalization

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of RDTL, H.E. Zacarias Albano da Costa, has called on NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) to revitalize the organization in order to effectively respond to contemporary global challenges.

Speaking in Bali, where he is attending the 16^th Non-Aligned Movement’s Ministerial Conference, Minister da Costa commented “In revitalizing NAM, we must look at both its founding principles and at contemporary realities. We must also look at areas that are important for our development and the active promotion and effective participation of developing countries in the international community. Constructive dialogue amongst States in pursuit of our shared goals and values is key to addressing the multiple challenges. Such dialogue must be grounded in a vision of shared responsibilities, and must be based on respect for national ownership.”

In his speech delivered this morning, Minister da Costa also stated the importance of empowering and engaging both women and youth highlighting the exponential effect they have on society. “The Bandung Principles should be a catalyst in this endeavor. In moving towards recognizing the equality of all nations, races and people, it is also important to highlight the need to empower women and youth. Gender equality and the empowerment of women are critical to the sustainable development of our countries.”

Minister da Costa also highlighted Timor-Leste’s commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, noting in particular the plight of the people of the Western Sahara and Palestine and their right to self-determination.

As this year marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of NAM, the theme of the Ministerial summit is entitled: ‘A Shared Vision on the Contribution of NAM for the Next 50 years’.

Timor-Leste joined NAM in 2003, and there are currently 118 members. This meeting will also approve the membership of Azerbaijan and Fiji into the group, raising the total membership to 120.

Minister da Costa spoke highly of the importance of Indonesia as host, given their indispensible role in founding the Non-Aligned Movement.

The Minister took the opportunity, on the margins of the conference, to meet with his ASEAN counterparts to discuss and promote Timor-Leste’s application for membership to ASEAN.

Timor-Leste e Guiné-Bissau assinam um Acordo Geral de Cooperação

Os   Ministros dos Negocios estrangeiros da Guiné-Bissau e Timor-Leste 

19 de Maio de 2011

O Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros, Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa, recebeu o seu homólogo da Guiné-Bissau, Adelino Mano Queta, que se encontra em Timor-Leste, integrado na delegação daquele país para as comemorações do 9º aniversário da restauração da independência.

Durante o encontro, o Ministros Zacarias da Costa expressou a satisfação pela presença do Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros desse país irmão e manifestou apreço por se juntarem aos timorenses na celebração desta tão importante data.

Assinatura do acordo de cooperação Geral entre Guiné-Bissau e Timor-Leste 

Por sua vez, o Ministro Mano Queta, declarou sentir-se contente por poder participar nesta cerimónia e relembrou o continuado apoio do Governo e do povo da Guiné-Bissau à luta de resistência timorense.

Foram discutidos aspectos comuns da construção dos respectivos estados, os desafios do desenvolvimento e perspectivadas acções de cooperação que sirvam para um maior estreitamento dos laços históricos e afectivos que unem os dois países.

Parra atingir esse objectivo, após o encontro foi assinado um Acordo Geral de Cooperação que visa sete áreas nos domínios da cultura, ciência, economia, recursos naturais e cooperação política.

A concluir, o Ministro Zacarias da Costa referiu: “É com muita alegria e uma grande honra poder receber em Timor-Leste independente, o Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros de um país irmão como é a Guiné-Bissau e que sempre nos apoiou durante o período da resistência. Os timorenses sempre contaram com o apoio da Guiné-Bissau e agora é a nossa vez de dizer que os guineenses podem contar com o apoio de Timor-Leste.” 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Zacarias Albano da Costa met with the President of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman

Dili – 16 May 011

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Zacarias Albano da Costa with

President of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Zacarias Albano da Costa met with the President of Lebanon, General Michel Suleimen , on Saturday the 14th of May, in the Presidential Palace, Beirut.

Minister da Costa is visiting Lebanon after leading Timor-Leste’s delegation at the Fourth UN Least Developed Countries (LDCs) meeting in Istanbul, which ended on Friday.

In November 2011, the first group of Timorese military will be part of the Portuguese contingent participating in the UN International Peace Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The participation of the 14 Timor-Leste military (F-FDTL) in the Portuguese contingent of UNIFIL was one of the topics of the meeting between Timor-Leste’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman.

The Lebanese President also discussed with Minister Zacarias da Costa the need for deepening the cooperation between Lebanon and Timor-Leste, the situation in the Middle East, and the current political situation in Lebanon.

Minister Zacarias also visited the headquarters of the Honorary Consulate General of Timor-Leste in Beirut and had dinner with members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Beirut.

 Today, Monday, May 16 the Foreign Minister for Timor-Leste will meet his Lebanese counterpart, Ali al-Sham, and have lunch with entrepreneurs and businessmen in Beirut, before returning to Timor-Leste. The visit to Lebanon will finish on Tuesday, 17^th May, 2011.
 
The visit of the Timor-Leste Minister for Foreign Affairs in Beirut is taking place precisely two years after the visit of President Jose Ramos-Horta in May, 2009. END

Zacarias Albano da Costa participated in the 4th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries

Timor-Leste’s delegation, lead by Foreign Minister, Zacarias Albano da Costa participated in the 4th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, which has just concluded.  The global summit was dedicated towards creating and adopting a new programme of action to assist the development of LDCs with the goal of lifting millions out of poverty.
 
The Timor-Leste delegation used the conference to highlight the work of the g7+ and Timor-Leste’s role as the Chair.  Ambassador Sofia Borges co-chaired a panel on delivering development in conflict affected LDCs, where she spoke about Timor-Leste’s experience and the objectives of the g7+ in taking ownership of their development agenda. 

  “This programme of action provides a blueprint to lift millions of people out of poverty, and LDCs together with partners should commit to its implementation.  Timor-Leste is committed to making the IPoA a success,” said Minister da Costa.
 
Through the efforts of our delegation in New York, Timor-Leste succeeded in having a specific reference to the Dili Declaration under the good governance section.  The para highlights the specific vulnerabilities and challenges of LDCs that are affected by conflict, and the links between peace, security and development.
 
The newly adopted Istanbul Programme of Action aims to have half the 47 LDCs ready to graduate by 2021.  This plan attempts to build upon and correct the gaps left by the previous Brussels Programme of Action.
 
In attempting to do this development partners will aim to increase resources to the least developed countries.  Partners will also focus on working with national governments to ensure that all assistance measures are in line with national priorities and that the LDCs have ownership over the process.  A monitoring mechanism was created to better follow the programmes implementation, along with a section on graduation and smooth transition.   
 
The Istanbul Programme of Action also builds upon the BPoA in highlighting the need to focus development efforts in several areas.  The importance and need to empower both women and girls is addressed, along with a specific section on youth and a focus on building capacity to reach sustainable development.

Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa's Speech delivered during the LDC Summit in Istanbul

08-05-2011

Mr.Chairman,

Heads of Government, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen’s

Thank you for bringing us up to date on the negotiations,

At the outset, allow me to thank the government of Turkey for its generosity in supporting the LDCs through the hosting of this important conference, as well as its contribution to ensure our participation.  Such generosity is indicative of Turkey’s strong commitment to the LDCs, and we hope that this commitment will be reflected in a successful conference with a strong outcome document that is focused on deliverables and action oriented. 

Let me begin by expressing our gratitude to Nepal for its excellent leadership and coordination of the LDC group, in their tireless efforts negotiating on our behalf, especially his Excellency Ambassador Acharya the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The Istanbul Programme of Action is crucial to the development of the LDCs and we hope to see commitments made by the development partners on key deliverables.  An ambitious goal has been set for this Programme of Action, in that by 2020 at least half the LDCs should meet the criteria for graduation.  Such ambition requires focus and resolution on behalf of both the development partners and the LDCs themselves.

We believe that the Outcome Document must reflect a strong commitment in all areas especially in mobilizing financial resources, enhancing trade and productive capacities, and supporting agriculture and rural development along with human and social development.  Good governance must also be supported in line with national priorities.

Development partners must help us build our institutions and our capacities in an integrated manner.  This includes not only financial resources but also technical assistance and technology transfer to our countries, as building capacity is the only way to ensure sustainable development in the long-term.

Timor-Leste’s focus this year is on developing infrastructure and human capital.  As a post-conflict nation our institutions need time to grow, but the commitment to building strong institutions is clear and evidenced through the turnaround in our economic growth.  We have gone from registering negative GDP growth in 2006 to having positive economic growth rates for the past three years.    

These successes allowed us to say “goodbye to conflict, welcome development,” which is now our nation’s motto.  As a post-conflict state Timor-Leste knows firsthand the specific development challenges faced in building institutions from scratch while simultaneously rebuilding the public’s trust and creating stability.  Our National Priorities Process embodies a national homegrown strategic response to our challenges and will take ownership over the delivery of aid and internationally supported programs to ensure that such mechanisms are applicable, suitable and compatible with our agendas and priorities.

LDCs must have ownership over this process and we urge partners to deliver on commitments made to date and to have a forward-looking vision for the Istanbul Programme of Action.  

Let me conclude by emphasizing the need for the unity of the group to ensure an outcome  that reflects our strong interests and desire to graduate.