China and Timor-Leste Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation during Meeting in Bangkok

On August 2, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China met with Foreign Minister Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares of Timor-Leste in Bangkok, Thailand, reaffirming the strong and growing partnership between the two nations.

During the meeting, Wang Yi emphasized the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, characterizing China and Timor-Leste as good partners. He highlighted the fruitful collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting the significant benefits brought to Timor-Leste through projects undertaken by Chinese companies. Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to further expand cooperation under the BRI, proposing plans for collaboration in sectors including petrochemicals, trade, agriculture, and fisheries.

Moreover, Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to upholding the equality of nations and supporting the interests of developing countries in international affairs. He welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expressed China’s support for Timor-Leste to play a more prominent role in regional and international affairs.

In response, Foreign Minister Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares expressed gratitude for China’s assistance in Timor-Leste’s economic development, emphasizing the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. He affirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to actively participating in cooperation under the BRI, aiming to enhance interconnectivity and foster greater development in the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism for the future of bilateral cooperation and pledging to enhance coordination and collaboration under international mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.