Vietnam willing to strengthen cooperation with Timor-Leste

22:02' 20/02/2009 (GMT+7)

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam are prepared to share post-conflict development experiences with Timor-Leste and enhance bilateral in the fields that Vietnam has comparative advantages and that serve mutual interests, said a Vietnamese diplomat.

As a regional country, Vietnam has been and will be by the side of the people and Government of Timor-Leste on their path towards peace and development, said Le Luong Minh, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam at the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on Timor-Leste in New York on Feb. 19.

The ambassador took this occasion to congratulate the people and Government of Timor-Leste on their success in maintaining national security and stability, and keeping the peace process on track amid numerous difficulties.

He also appreciated the efforts made by the Timor-Leste government to address post-conflict issues to strengthen national reconciliation by creating opportunities for all stakeholders to contribute to solving issues of national interest and to work in close consultation with United Nations local partners and the public to enhance its capacities and implement socio-economic development programs.

Regarding the UN Missions in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)’s activities, Minh said the group, within its mandate, has helped preserve peace, sustain stability and promote development in the country, especially those activities aimed at enhancing Timor-Leste’s institutional capacities.

Vietnam supports the Secretary-General’s request to extend UNMIT’s mandate for another 12 months to ensure long-term stability in the country, he said.

“We call upon all national political players to actively participate in the ongoing dialogue and contribute to meeting the country’s challenges, with the successful conduct of local elections in 2009 being the foremost,” said the Vietnamese ambassador./.

VietNamNet/VNA