(Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore)
Timor-Leste Celebrates 22nd Independence Anniversary with Focus on ASEAN Membership and Strengthening Ties with Singapore
Singapore – As Timor-Leste marks its 22nd year of independence, the nation is gearing up for its anticipated entry into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expected next year under Malaysia’s chairmanship. The Timor-Leste Ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Alexandre Vital da Cruz Araújo Tilman shared these reflections in a letter, emphasizing the country’s recent World Trade Organization (WTO) membership and its strategic goals.
The ambassador highlighted the profound significance of this year, not only in celebrating independence but also in setting the stage for further integration into regional economic and cultural systems. He noted, “Our recent WTO admission and upcoming ASEAN membership are crucial for the consolidation of our independence and the construction of our state.”
To leverage these developments, the Timor-Leste mission in Singapore has established three key priorities:
- Raising the Profile of Timor-Leste: This includes expanding networks, promoting Timorese culture, and educating the Singaporean public through public talks, exhibitions, and cultural visits.
- Strengthening Relationships with Singapore: Aiming to enhance both governmental and people-to-people ties, this priority supports ASEAN membership ambitions and seeks to boost trade and cultural exchanges.
- Attracting Singaporean Investments: The focus is on drawing investments to tourism, real estate, agriculture, fisheries, and energy sectors in Timor-Leste.
“These priorities aim at not just celebrating our past but actively preparing for a future where Timor-Leste is a well-integrated member of the ASEAN community,” the ambassador stated. He also reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to strengthening ties with Singapore as it welcomes a new government led by Mr. Lawrence Wong.
The ambassador expressed gratitude for the continued support from Singapore and emphasized the mutual benefits of a robust partnership. “Our strong friendship with Singapore and our commitment to enhancing this relationship serve the best interests of our people,” he concluded.
