The Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Wang Wenli, and the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations last week, with particular emphasis on the economy, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and security. The remarks were made during the celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese Embassy in Dili.

Wang Wenli highlighted the 24 years of co-operation based on mutual respect, equality and friendship, as well as the increase in high-level contacts. She also mentioned that China intends to work with Timor-Leste and other Asian countries to strengthen regional co-operation and contribute to peace and stability.

For his part, Ramos-Horta called for a more balanced trade relationship and an increase in Timor-Leste’s exports to China, particularly coffee, agricultural products and fish.

The President called for investment to be attracted in ways that create jobs and promote skills transfer to the Timorese people. He stressed that projects should be assessed based on their benefits to the population, including the opportunities they create for the youth.

Ramos-Horta also highlighted Chinese co-operation in the health sector, including the presence of Chinese medical teams at the Guido Valadares National Hospital since 2003.

For the future, he called for the expansion of co-operation to market connectivity, digital development, vocational training and the strengthening of human capital.

(Source: Tatoli, on 11 September)