Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam at a joint press conference with Timor-Leste Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs José Luis Guterres. [Photo: MFA]Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam, who is currently in Timor-Leste on an official visit, met with Senior Minister and Minister forForeign Affairs José Luis Guterres and was hosted to an official dinner by Minister Guterres. Minister Shanmugam and Minister Guterres also attended a joint press conference.
During their meeting, the two Ministers reaffirmed the excellent relations shared by Singapore and Timor-Leste, noting that Singapore has been engaged with Timor-Leste for several years prior to its independence in 2002. Minister Shanmugam took the opportunity to reiterate Singapore’s support for Timor-Leste’s development through the provision of technical assistance and training to help build up Timor-Leste’s human resources capabilities. Singapore has trained close to 400 Timorese officials in various fields, including civil aviation, English language, finance, healthcare and public administration. Minister Guterres also briefed Minister Shanmugam on progress made by Timor-Leste in the areas of security, political stability and economic development and Minister Shanmugam, in turn, commended the Timorese leadership for the impressive progress achieved in the past decade.
The Ministers exchanged views on Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership. Minister Shanmugam informed Minister Guterres that the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) had been established to consider new membership applications. Two meetings of the ACCWG have been held so far and Singapore has offered to host the third meeting in early 2013 to help move the process forward. Minister Guterres informed Minister Shanmugam that Timor-Leste was looking into its capacity to fulfil the responsibilities and obligations of ASEAN membership, a development welcomed by Singapore. Minister Shanmugam expressed Singapore’s willingness to support Timor-Leste’s efforts through relevant technical assistance.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
22 NOVEMBER 2012