Dili, August 15, 2024 – H. E. the Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral, Donaciano Costa Gomes 'Pedro Klamar Fuik', Ph.D., received the Chinese delegation at the Ministry of Defence in Fatuhada, Dili, for a bilateral meeting. The meeting was attended by the Chief of Cabinet, Ana Carascalão Gomes, the Director General of Defence Resources, Martinho Soares Moniz, and the Director General of Defence Policy and International Cooperation, Nuno Carvalho.

The Chinese delegation was led by the Deputy Head of the International Military Cooperation Office of the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, Major General Zhang Baoqun. The three-day visit aims to strengthen cooperation relations between Timor-Leste and China in the area of defence and security.

During the meeting, Minister Pedro Klamar Fuik and the Chief of Staff, Ana Carascalão Gomes, discussed with Major General Zhang Baoqun strategies to improve bilateral collaboration. Among the topics discussed was the importance of continuous training for the Timorese military, with a view to improving the country's defence capabilities.

One of the main results of the meeting was China's commitment to build a new hospital in East Timor. This hospital will have specific facilities to serve not only the military and police, but also veterans and the general population, making a significant contribution to improving health services in the country.

In addition to building the hospital, China has pledged to continue offering support in a number of crucial areas. This includes the provision of technical and material support for the modernization of East Timor's defence forces, as well as the capacity building and continuous training of the East Timorese military.

The meeting symbolizes an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and China, reflecting the mutual commitment to promoting security and development in the region.

Media MD