Dili, May 21 2019 (Lusa) – Representatives of the EU and the East Timorese Government agreed that climate change, maritime safety, public goods management, and inclusive and sustainable development should form the basis for the new European cooperation agreement with Asia and the Pacific.
Fifth Annual EU–East Timor Political Dialogue
At a political meeting in Dili, the two sides underlined the importance of disaster preparedness, fisheries and oceans management, and peace and security as elements to be considered in the ongoing negotiations to replace the current Cotonou Development Cooperation Agreement.
The meeting was the fifth annual EU–East Timor political dialogue under the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP)–EU Partnership Agreement (Cotonou). It was co-chaired by:
- Dionísio Babo Soares — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste
- Jean-Christophe Belliard — Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS)
A joint statement issued following the meeting called for a post-Cotonou text that would “reflect the regional and global priorities of Timor-Leste, the EU, Asia, and the Pacific regions.”
Statements from Both Sides
Dionísio Babo Soares said:
“The European Union is a very important strategic and development partner for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The relationship between Timor-Leste and the EU covers many areas of mutual interest and the agenda presented to us is a testament to this relationship. I believe that Timor-Leste and the EU will continue to maintain this good relationship and that this political dialogue will continue to help, support and strengthen our relationship in the coming years.”
Jean-Christophe Belliard recalled that:
“The EU has a longstanding relationship and friendship with East Timor and its people, based on a legacy of common values, cooperation, and constructive economic and commercial relations.”
EU Development Cooperation: 2014–2020
Between 2014 and 2020, EU development and cooperation programmes amounted to EUR 95 million, focusing on the following areas:
| Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Health and nutrition | Direct programme support |
| Rural development | Agroforestry systems, road rehabilitation |
| Sustainable infrastructure | Public works and services |
| Good governance | Administrative decentralisation, public finance management |
| Gender equality | Actions to combat gender-based violence |
Key Topics Discussed
The political meeting covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including:
- Developments in rural communities
- Good governance and administrative decentralisation
- Public finance management
- Human rights, gender equality, and combating gender-based violence
- Sustainable and inclusive development
- Economic diversification
- Development cooperation with the EU and other partners
Regional and Multilateral Commitments
Both sides reiterated the importance of alignment in international forums to consolidate multilateralism and collaboration in regional organisations, including:
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) — including Timor-Leste’s commitment to join ASEAN
- Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP)
- Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Participants
The Dili meeting was attended by senior Timorese government officials, including:
- Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Minister of Public Works
- Interim Minister of Finance
- Interim Minister of State Administration
- Secretary of State for Gender Equality and Inclusion
- Secretary of State for Civil Protection
- Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission
Background: The Cotonou Agreement
The Cotonou Agreement provided the framework for EU cooperation on the economic, social, and cultural development of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) states. The Dili meeting was part of the broader negotiation process to establish its successor agreement.