H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to the Democratic Republic of Timor – Leste at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Hernani Coelho, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor – Leste between 18 -20 May 2017.

          The visit coincides with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Timor – Leste and the Restoration of Independence Day of Timor – Leste. In fact, Thailand was among the first three countries, after China and Norway, to establish diplomatic relations with Timor – Leste on 20 May 2002, and it has been nearly seven years since a government official at the level of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand visited Timor – Leste.

          The visit was an opportunity to strengthen Thailand and Timor – Leste relations, during which the Minister of Foreign Affairs had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Hernani Coelho, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor – Leste and paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Rui Maria de Araujo, Prime Minister of Timor – Leste, and H.E. Mr. Francisco Guterres Lu Olo, President of Timor – Leste. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also attended the Swear – in Ceremony of the President – elect and the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Timor – Leste.

          During the bilateral meeting, both sides discussed how Thailand and Timor – Leste can further cooperate as development partners. Timor – Leste’s next 5-year plan (2017-2022) will place emphasis on economic development, focusing on the fields of (1) agriculture, forestry, and fishery, (2) oil and gas, (3) tourism, and (4) infrastructure. Timor – Leste would also like to study the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy from Thailand. As well as being very active on the international stage, especially among Portuguese language countries and Pacific island countries, Timor – Leste plans to serve as a bridge between those countries and ASEAN.

          The Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to work closely with Timor – Leste in implementing the Three Year Plan (2016 – 2018) of technical cooperation in the areas of agriculture, public health, tourism, and capacity building, while exploring potential cooperation in areas of poultry and fishery. To help increase its international status, the Minister of Foreign Affairs invited Timor – Leste to join Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Both Foreign Ministers also signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports as a key deliverable of the visit.

          Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs visited and observed the work of the Model Village Project of Sustainable Community Development Model 

in Hera, and the project on Agriculture for School Lunch (School Garden Project) under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at Ensino Basico Hera School and Basic and Pre-Primary Acanuno School. During the visit, he also provided the two schools with financial and material support including sports equipment, medicine, and vegetable seeds.