by H.E. Ambassador Fu Yuancong to Magazine of the Presidency of RDTL
The well-established relationship between China and Timor-Leste has a long history. China sided with the Timorese people with sympathy and support during their struggle for national independence. China is proud to be the first country establishing diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste after its founding. The past 8 years have witnessed a closer bilateral relationship in all fields, evidenced by China's assistance, for Timor's nation building and social developmental. Good cooperation between our two countries can be found in fields of infrastructure, agriculture, public health, education, capacity building, social solidarity and public security. As a matter of fact, we are helping Timor to the best of our capability. The Foreign Ministry's Office Building and the Presidential Palace are standing there, over 700 Timorese civil servants and technical personnel have received occasional training in China so far, and up to 21 students enjoyed the Chinese Government Scholarship. The hybrid rice project in Manatuto has yielded bumper harvest for several seasons. As for public health, has four medical teams dispatched from China have successively offered treatment to local patients for more than 150,000 person-times. Over 320 Chinese police officers, men and women alike, have served in 15 batches under the UN Peacekeeping Mission. The Chinese Government also provided Timor-Leste with a number of material supplies, including food, edible oil, farm machinery, seeds, pesticides, fishing gears, medicine, mosquito nets, wheelchairs, sporting goods, police uniforms, communication equipment, etc..
The year 2010 is a fruitful year for our deepened bilateral relationship characterized by frequent high-level visits. In April, H.E. Vice Prime Minister Guterres attended the Boao Forum for Asia. In July, H.E. President Horta hosted the National Pavilion Day for Timor-Leste in Shanghai Expo, the first time ever for Timor-Leste to be represented in the World Expo as an independent nation, and to show its socio-economic progress, beautiful landscape and unique cultural heritage. The Timorese Parliamentary delegation composed of two committees, and PNTL Commissioner Mr. Monteiro paid a friendly visit to China in July as well. Furthermore, the Chinese Government announced a gradual zero tariff treatment for Timorese goods exported to China as from 1st July, an important step to promote mutual trade and economic cooperation. The Residential Quarter for F-FDTL officers, the Office Building for Defense Ministry and the primary school under Chinese Aid have been inaugurated throughout the year. In October, H.E. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao attended the closing ceremony of Shanghai Expo and held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. In November, H.E. Vice Prime Minister Guterres led the Timorese athletes for the 16th Asian Games held in Guangzhou and attended the opening ceremony; Prosecutor General Madame Anna Pessoa participated in the 4th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Anti-corruption Authorities (IAACA) in Macau; General Secretary of the CNRT Dr. Babo Soares has headed an AMP delegation to China for study and visit; H.E. President Horta, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr. da Costa and Minister for Economy & Development Mr. Goncalves, will soon go to Macau for the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Economic and Commercial Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.
By unswervingly pursuing the foreign policy of "building a good neighbourly relationship and partnership with all neighbouring countries", China develops friendship and partnership with its neighboring countries in Asia, Timor-Leste included. Both as developing countries in Asian region and with similar experience in history, China and Timor-Leste had long been sympathizing with, supporting, respecting and trusting each other throughout the national liberation, nation building and social development. At the same time, we enjoy good communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. China is grateful for the valuable support of the Timorese government over the years towards issues of China's core interests. China, as always, will share with Timorese people the opportunities brought by China's economic development, and do whatever in our capability to help Timor enhance its ability of independent and sustainable development. Stronger cooperation and mutual benefit are conducive to our common development, not only benefiting the two peoples but also contributing to peace, stability and prosperity of Asia and the world at large. I am convinced that thanks to the joint efforts and fostering of the Chinese and Timorese leadership, the Sino-Timorese relationship would be shaped into an exemplary one between countries of different sizes.
