(Dili): Maria Fernanda Lay, Speaker of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cambodia for its active support, particularly the role of Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, in advocating for Timor-Leste’s admission as an observer member of ASEAN in 2022. She stated that Samdech Techo has continued to support Timor-Leste’s efforts to attain full ASEAN membership in the near future.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen met with Maria Fernanda Lay on Thursday (May 8) during his official visit to Timor-Leste.

Describing the visit as historic, Maria Fernanda Lay highlighted it as a symbol of the enduring and growing friendship between the two countries. She warmly welcomed Samdech Techo and his delegation.

She also expressed sincere appreciation to Cambodia for the support extended to Timor-Leste during the challenging period of the COVID19 pandemic, particularly the donation of COVID19 vaccines, which she stated would always be remembered by both herself and the people of Timor-Leste.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo informed Maria Fernanda Lay that he would deliver a keynote address at a special session of the Timor-Leste National Parliament. His speech will focus on Cambodia’s experiences before and after joining ASEAN, as well as his personal insights on ASEAN and the broader global context.

Samdech Techo reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between Cambodia and Timor-Leste and called for continued cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, tourism, and investment. He also underlined the importance of strengthening ties between the legislative and executive bodies of both countries.

On this occasion, Samdech Techo conveyed greetings and best wishes from the president of Cambodia’s National Assembly to Maria Fernanda Lay, and noted that an invitation had been extended for her to pay an official visit to Cambodia at a mutually convenient time.

In response, Maria Fernanda Lay expressed her appreciation for Samdech Techo’s remarks, especially his focus on deepening bilateral cooperation. She shared her intention to visit Cambodia, ideally before the end of her term as President of the National Parliament.

She also thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for previously offering scholarships to Timorese students to pursue their studies in Cambodia, an important contribution to human resource development in Timor-Leste.
=FRESH NEWS