TIMOR-LESTE TO PARTICIPATE PREPARATORY MEETING ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

Mr. Roberto Soares Cabral said that “the Preparatory Meeting among the Senior Officials is to discuss administrative arrangement for the forthcoming Bali Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism, Scope and content of the Ministerial Meeting as well as possible outcomes statement to combat terrorism activities in the Asia-Pacific Region”.

Mr. Roberto Soares Cabral also said that “Timor-Leste geographically located in Southeast Asia, therefore, there is no doubt that illegal or terrorist activities in and around the region could affect the overall political and security situation. In this regard, it is important that Timor-Leste’s official would participate in this meeting to demonstrate Timor-Leste’s commitment to contribute to regional and international peace and security”.

“As young nation of this new millennium, we have recognized that our capacity and institutions of security are not yet adequate to effectively handle terrorism activities, as well as internal and external threats. However, our commitment to protect Timor-Leste’s environment from the scourge of terrorism and creating a stable and secure society, as well as determination to strengthen democratic institutions and good governance will contribute greatly to peace and security in the region”, added Mr. Soares Cabral.

The meeting will bring together all ASEAN member states, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, United States of America, Japan, China, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Russian Federation, as well as Senior Representative of the EU, APEC, Pacific Islands Forum and ASEAN Secretariats.

Mr. Roberto Soares Cabral will return to Dili on 16th of January 2004.