Foreign ministers discuss Timor—Leste’s application to join ASEAN

DILI: Singapore’s Foreign Minister K Shanmugam and Timor—Leste’s Foreign Minister Jose Luis Guterres have exchanged views on Timor—Leste’s application for ASEAN membership.

At the meeting, Mr Shanmugam informed Mr Guterres that the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) has been established to consider new membership applications.

A Foreign Ministry statement said two meetings of the ACCWG have been held so far, and Singapore has offered to host the third meeting in early 2013 to help move the process forward.

Mr Guterres informed Mr Shanmugam that Timor—Leste is looking into its capacity to fulfil the responsibilities and obligations of ASEAN membership — a development that Singapore welcomes.

Mr Shanmugam also reiterated Singapore’s support for Timor—Leste’s development through providing technical assistance and training to help build up Timor—Leste’s human resources capabilities.

The statement said Singapore has trained close to 400 Timorese officials in various fields, including civil aviation, English language, finance, healthcare and public administration.

Mr Shanmugam visited Timor—Leste from 20 to 21 November 2012.

— CNA/de