Dili, May 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Timor-Leste's foreign minister, Bendito Freitas, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretary-general, Kao Kim Hourn, conferred on Tuesday on the challenges and priorities for the country's 2029 presidency of the organisation.
“We spoke about all the challenges we face, our institutional preparation, and coordination among ministries,” the minister said after the meeting.
The ASEAN secretary-general began on Tuesday a working visit to Timor-Leste as part of celebrations for the 24th anniversary of the restoration of the country's independence (gained from Indonesia in 2002).
Freitas told journalists after the meeting that Timor-Leste's government had started preparations to assume the ASEAN presidency, including a structure that Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao leads.
“Infrastructure is a key segment, including airports, hospitals, an international convention centre, hotels, and all necessary logistical preparation,” the minister said.
“This is very important for us,” he added.
The minister also said that the ASEAN leader would attend a ceremony on Wednesday to lay the foundation stone for the new international convention centre.
The project aims to host ASEAN meetings during Timor-Leste's 2029 presidency, including summits of heads of state and government, and other large-scale events.
The new convention centre at the old port area in Dili Bay will include a main building with conference rooms, auditoriums, and exhibition pavilions, alongside complementary leisure and tourism areas, including a promenade, an aquarium, and an entertainment and commercial centre.
The ASEAN secretary-general paid a courtesy visit to Timor-Leste's president, Jose Ramos-Horta, before meeting Freitas.
“The meeting focused on common priorities in the ASEAN community-building process and regional integration, including Timor-Leste's full integration into ASEAN,” an organisation press release stated, reaffirming the secretariat's support for the country's full integration into the community.
DPYF/LYT // AYLS
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