Dr. Zacarius Albano da Costa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, will pay an official visit to Thailand from 6 - 8 February 2012. The purpose of the visit is to (1) introduce himself to his Thai counterpart and discuss bilateral cooperation, particularly on technical cooperation between the two countries; and (2) seek advice from the Thai side in preparation for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. The Timor-Leste Foreign Minister will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and will meet with Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on 7 February 2012.
During the visit, both sides will discuss how to promote further bilateral cooperation as Thailand has continued to provide human resources development assistance to Timor-Leste. Thailand will propose holding the First Annual Consultation Meeting on Technical Cooperation this year to review mid-term progress under the 3-year plan in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and public health.
As the Royal Thai Government supports Timor-Leste’s aspiration for ASEAN membership, Timor-Leste wishes to seek advice from the Thai side on this matter. The Thai side will also extend an invitation to the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to attend the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit, which will be held in Thailand in May 2012.
Thailand and Timor-Leste established diplomatic relations on 20 May 2002 and the 2012 marks the Tenth Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. Thailand and Timor-Leste enjoy close and cordial relations, spurred in part by Thailand’s development diplomacy through technical cooperation under the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA). Thailand also continues to dispatch Thai military and police officers to the UN mission in Timor-Leste. In 2011, the volume of bilateral trade reached USD 16.07 million.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th