Timor-Leste Joins ACP Group

Thursday 15 May 2003

On 13th of May 2003, in Brussels, Timor-Leste formally became the 79th member of ACP. The accession of Timor-Leste has been received with great satisfaction by the Secretary General of the Organization, Dr. Jean-Robert Gaulongana, whom seized the opportunity to also congratulated Timor-Leste from becoming an independent country.

Dr. Mari Alkitiri expressed his happiness for Timor-Leste to become member of ACP Group after Timor-Leste joined UN and CPLP. Dr. Mari Alkatiri further said that by becoming member of ACP, Timor-Leste could also become a member state of Cotonou Agreement (ACP.EU) which may be able to assist greatly the development of the country. H.E. Prime Minister also expressed his personal gratitude to ACP, particularly the Secretary General, for assisting Timor-Leste to become member of this Group.

H.E. Prime Minister and the delegation which included the representative of Timor-Leste in Brussels, Mr. Jose Amorim Dias, attended the Plenary meeting of ACP where H.E. Dr Mari Alkatiri delivered a speech. Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for the assistance of ACP members countries for Timor-Leste to join the Group. H.E. Prime Minister and delegation held a meeting with Pacific countries after the plenary meeting.

On 12th of May, the delegation of Timor-Leste lead by H.E. Dr Mari Alkatiri held meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Cooperation and Development of the Kingdom of Belgium, following by meetings with Dr. Antonio Vitorino, European Commissioner for Legal Affairs. A number of issues were discussed in particular with the political, social, economic and security situation of Timor-Leste as well as cooperation between Timor-Leste and European Union.