Dili, 12th of April 2024 – Today, the Honorable Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral Donaciano da Costa Gomes ‘Pedro Klamar Fuik’, PhD, held a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of Japan, Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya, and Official Commander SHIMOGISHI Kosei, at the Ministry of Defence, Fatuhada, Dili, in an occasion of the JS MURASAME’s visit to Timor-Leste.  

During the visit, Minister of Defence Pedro Klamar Fuik and Ambassador KIMURA Tetsuya reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties in maritime security, especially emphasizing the importance of cooperation in combating maritime threats such as illegal fishing, piracy, and smuggling. 

“The significance of the ongoing visit, highlighting its role in fostering friendship between the Japanese government and East Timor. This visit symbolizes the longstanding cooperation between the two nations since East Timor's independence restoration in 2002. Of particular importance during this visit is the presence of the JS MURASAME ship, which will remain in our territory for three days”, said Minister of Defence Pedro Klamar Fuik. 

The Minister of Defence stressed that the presence of the MURASAME aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of defence, helping to strengthen maritime security. 

“In addition to bilateral cooperation, the ambassador and commanding officer's visit is primarily aimed at strengthening collaboration in the areas of defence and security, while at the same time seeking to promote the peace and stability that the Japanese people are experiencing. This reflects the country's peaceful vision and seeks to extend these benefits to East Timor”, emphasized the Minister of Defence. 

On the other hand, the Japanese ambassador, KIMURA Tetsuya, expressed his gratitude to the East Timorese government, in particular the Ministry of Defence, for the warm welcome given to the MURASAME team during their stay in East Timor. 

“This visit is a friendship visit between the Ministry of Defence of East Timor and Japan, to exchange experiences in the military field and strengthen East Timor's maritime defence”, said KIMURA Tetsuya after the visit in Fatuhada.

Média MD