In his remarks, the President expressed his hope that Vietnam will help Timor-Leste better develop its agricultural sector to ensure food security and push pack poverty and child malnutrition.
He called for Vietnam’s support in building a master plan, and suggestions regarding solutions and models to give a facelift to its agriculture, adding once joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Timor-Leste wishes to attract more resources from other member countries, especially Vietnam and Thailand, to its tourism industry.
 |
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta engages in an exchange programme with students of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam in Hanoi on August 2. (Photo: VNA)
The leader also emphasised the role of young people in national development, and asked them to study harder to help countries cope with future challenges, including those regarding water security.
Addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet praised the leadership of President Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1996, saying he has helped Timor-Leste overcome challenges to continue with national construction and integration into the region.
He affirmed Vietnam’s support for Timor-Leste to become an official ASEAN member, and expressed his belief that the country will be an important part of the group, helping to strengthen intra-bloc solidarity and cooperation.
Since the two countries set up their diplomatic ties on July 28, 2002, the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation have made significant strides. They have maintained their close-knit ties and mutual support in the international arena, especially during the past struggles for national liberation.
The same day, the Timor-Leste President made a field trip to the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in the northern province of Bac Ninh, and had a working session with provincial leaders.
President Ramos-Horta lauded Bac Ninh’s development over the past time, especially in the development of industrial parks, and noted his hope that Vietnam will encourage its businesses to invest in mixed industrial parks in Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas relating to fertilizer, and oil and gas.
He pledged to work as a bridge between Bac Ninh and Timor-Leste partners in the time ahead.
The two sides compared notes on policies and opportunities for investment and cooperation.
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, stressed that the President’s visit was significant to Bac Ninh’s development, as well as cooperation between the two countries.
The official briefed the guest on Bac Ninh’s socio-economic situation, and its potential and business environment, which is among the top nationwide, saying the VSIP is an outstanding example of green, clean, modern standards, and comprehensive infrastructure.
Tuan said he hoped that the leader’s visit will be a milestone helping establish cooperative ties between Bac Ninh and Timor-Leste partners, and affirmed that the province always welcomes Timor-Leste delegations that come to explore investment opportunities, promote trade, culture and tourism, and enhance people-to-people exchange.
