Phnom Penh (FN), June 3 – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste Dionisio Babo Soares praised Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s leadership and his efforts to promote the well-beings of Cambodian people, speaking in a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Sen at Peace Palace on Monday morning.

H.E Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares, currently on his official visit to Cambodia from 3-4 June 2019, informed the Premier that he came to discuss areas of cooperation to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest, including matter regarding Timor-Leste’s application for a membership in ASEAN.

Babo Soares Halso informed the premier that Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Timor-Leste in 2016 has strengthened Timor-Leste-Cambodia ties. He thanked Cambodia for all the support extended to Timor-Leste.

In response, the Premier stated that the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has already prepared to become member of ASEAN, thanks to establishments of Timorese Embassies in all ASEAN member states, the institutional capacity, and independent finance and economy.

Regarding the bilateral relations, Prime Minister Hun Sen suggested Cambodia-Timor-Leste to work together to expand cooperation in various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, tourism and culture.

Timor-Leste became the first new sovereign state on 20 May 2002 and joined the United Nations. In 2011, East Timor announced its intention to be ASEAN member. Cambodia has supported Timor-Leste to become the 11th member of the ASEAN.
=FRESH NEWS