August 1, 2014 - Dili, Timor-Leste - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird meets with Taur Matan Ruak, President of Timor-Leste, to discuss new areas of cooperation between Canada and Timor-Leste. This is Baird’s first visit to Timor-Leste and the first trip by a Canadian minister to that country.
“Canada has increased its engagement in Southeast Asia and supports Timor-Leste’s application to enter the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” said Baird. “Southeast Asia is important to Canada, and Canada is committed to building relationships with countries in the region.”
During his visit in Timor-Leste, Baird also met with José Luís Guterres, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, and Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.
Canada provides development assistance to Timor-Leste, primarily through multilateral partners such as the UN and the Asian Development Bank. This year, Canada will provide funding of approximately $2.1 million to Timor-Leste. Canada has also supported Timor-Leste’s Judicial System Monitoring Programme, an access-to-justice initiative.
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