On 20 July 2022, H.E. Urawadee Sriphiromya, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to ASEAN, attended the Interface Meeting between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Lesté, at the ASEAN Secretariat.

During the meeting, H.E. President Ramos-Horta shared his vision for Timor-Leste to become a digital hub and forge international cooperation for infrastructure development including airport and seaport, industrial park and human resources development.  He reiterated  Timor-Leste’s readiness to become a new member of ASEAN. The President thanked Thailand for annual scholarship programme and development cooperation for Timor-Leste.  

In her conversation with H.E. President Ramos-Horta, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand expressed her warm congratulations on the 20^th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Timor-Lesté this year.  She reiterated Thailand’s commitment to support development of Timor-Lesté as long-standing development partner, including in the area of food security.  On this occasion, Ambassador Sriphiromya also discussed with H.E. Adaljiza Magno, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Lesté, regarding ways and means to further enhance partnership and development cooperation plan.

H.E. the President of Timor-Lesté paid a visit to Indonesia after his inauguration in May 2022.  Timor-Lesté wishes to become a member of ASEAN.   The consideration of Timor-Lesté application for ASEAN Membership is one of the priorities of Cambodia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022.

Photo Credit: the ASEAN Secretariat