“For friendship with Portugal, but also for our historical ties, language ties and our common interests, I would like to see a greater economic dimension in East Timor – CPLP relations [Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa] and Timor-Leste — Portugal”, said Ramos-Horta in the press statement at the end of a meeting with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
José Ramos-Horta highlighted that Timor-Leste joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year and predicted that, in 2025, it will become the 11th effective member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“And since we do not have productive industrial capacity, Timor-Leste could be a great trade center like Dubai is, and like Singapore is. And we can achieve this with a great commitment or interest from Portugal and I am betting on your Government to achieve this ambition together”, he stressed, addressing Luís Montenegro.
In the statement, without the right to questions, Ramos-Horta highlighted that he could not miss the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April and paid tribute “to all those who, over the decades, fought, suffered, died for the transformations that took place in April 25, 1974”.
“The Portugal of then and the Portugal of today: huge difference. And the former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Timor-Leste contributed to these transformations through our respective fighting situations,” she highlighted.
Ramos-Horta concluded the statement by wishing Luís Montenegro and his Government “every success so that Portugal remains a prosperous country in Europe and the world”.
