Timor-Leste Thanks Republic of the Philippines for its Vital Role in Nation-Building

16 March 2010 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo meets Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Zacarias Albano Da Costa at the sidelines of the Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting (SNAMM) on the Interfaith Dialogue and Coooperation for Peace and Development.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Da Costa thanked the Philippines for its vital role in his country's nation-building efforts, including human resource development and capacity building.

"The Philippines has been a part of our history and we have advanced a lot. We thank you for all the support from the Government of the Philippines and its people", Minister Da Costa said.

Secretary Romulo noted that the Philippines continue to support Timor-Leste through capacity building by providing training opportunities in the fields of diplomacy and fisheries. Minister Da Costa also pointed that an estimate 100 Timor-Leste nationals are in the Philippines pursuing university degrees in engineering and other professionals vital to their nation-building efforts. Minister Da Costa likewise recognized the contributions of the vibrant Filipino community in Timor-Leste.

(Photo by: Mark Santos, DFA-PISU)