Laos, Timor-Leste strengthen friendly relations, cooperation

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, is the celebration of the 47th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence and the 20th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

What makes these commemorations so special is that it is also the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Timor-Leste and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and it is the first time to celebrate in Vientiane since Timor-Leste opened its Embassy in Laos in 2014.
The reception to commemorate the 47th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence and the 20th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was held at Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane on Tuesday.
The event was attended by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, Timor-Leste Ambassador Maria Renata Caldas de Jesus and other diplomats.
Timor-Leste proclaimed its independence on November 28, 1975 and Timor-Leste achieved its national liberation through a referendum organised by the United Nations in 1999. In 2002 Timor-Leste proclaimed to the world the restoration of its independence and Timor-Leste became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century recognised by the international community.
The celebration of the restoration of Independence of Timor-Leste this year coincided with the Inauguration Ceremony the Seventh President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr José Ramos-Horta.
Timor-Leste and Laos established diplomatic relations after the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002. Both countries maintain excellent bilateral relations and the close bilateral ties between Timor-Leste and Laos remain strong and have been strengthened over the years through exchanges of visits between high-level dignitaries and also through official-level meetings.

In 2004 the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, visited Timor-Leste. As a result of this visit, Timor-Leste and Laos signed the first visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports.
In 2013, the former Prime Minister, Mr Xanana Gusmão also made an official visit to Laos. During this visit, both the former Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and Laos signed the Agreement as an umbrella to proceed with the technical cooperation. Due to certain circumstances, the two countries have agreed to update this agreement and it will be signed by both parties in due course.
On the other hand, Timor-Leste and Laos jointly agreed to have land reciprocity and the technical process is ongoing according to the high-level decision.
Despite the restriction of Covid19 in the last 2 years, diplomatic communications between Timor-Leste and Laos remain on track as demonstrated by the exchange of letters between high dignitaries of both countries to date.
On December 10, 2020, the first conversation between the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Laos took place.
One of Timor-Leste’s priorities is membership of the Asean community which has been a national consensus since the founders of the nation of Timor-Leste envisioned a future membership of Asean in 1975.
After more than 11 years, Timor-Leste officially presented its proposal to join Asean in 2011, and finally, at the 40th and 41st Asean Summit in Phenom Penh, Cambodia, Asean leaders announced on 11 November 2022 that, in principle, agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of Asean based on the results reports of the Fact Investigation Mission to Timor-Leste conducted by the Asean Political Security Community, Asean Economic Community and Asean Sociocultural Community.
In this regard, Timor-Leste deeply appreciates and thanks the Government of Laos and all Asean member countries for their continued support to Timor-Leste, as well as the support of external partners. Timor-Leste will continue to work seriously to ensure that preparations are progressively made in accordance with the assessments and recommendations of the Asean Fact-Finding Mission to Timor-Leste. 
The Embassy of Timor-Leste to Laos in Vientiane will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also with relevant line ministries to coordinate and follow up on outstanding technical issues to establish and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit to both countries at bilateral, multilateral and regional levels. The long-standing friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Timor-Leste will strengthen, expand and become more productive in the future.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update November 18, 2022)