TIMOR-LESTE OFFICIALS ATTEND THE AUSTRALIA LABOR PARTY CONFERENCE

Canberra, 29 January 2004
HE Jorge da Conceição Teme, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Australia, Mr. Abel Guterres, the Consul General of Timor-Leste in Sydney and their staff will attend the 43rd National Conference of Australian Labor Party that will be held in Sydney from 29- 31 January 2004.

“The objective for Timor-Leste representative to participating in these conference is not only to develop good relations with the Australian Federal Government, but also with the opposition party and other parties.

The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Embassy of RDTL in Canberra and Consulate General in Sydney, have been technically supported by the Labor Party from the Local Governments such as ACT Government, the NSW Government, and Victoria Local Government with the friendship programs with various districts in Timor-Leste.

The Tasmania Local Government and others who have offered support to Timor-Leste without any binding promise or debt to Timor-Leste is of course a great contribution. Our presence at the conference is a symbol or sign or expressing our gratitude, solidarity and friendship to the Australian Labor Party . This is an opportunity for us to meet with the Local and National leaders and Members of the labor party, in order to develop a good relation and lobby for the interest of Timor-Leste.

This will also become a good time to learn and understand how the process of democracy has been developed in such a big and developed country like Australia”. Said HE Jorge Teme, the Ambassador of RDTL to Australia.

Mr. Mark Latham, the Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, will officially open the Conference. During three days conference the Labor party will address issues on Community Security and Access, A sustainable Environment, Nations Building, Developing Australian Industry, Engaging with the Global Economy, Australian place in the world and others issues that relevant to the current situation.