BEIJING (TOP) - Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay said, the People's Republic of China remains an important partner in the economic development process of Timor-Leste.
The Vice-PM made the remarks while representing the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to participate in the Third High Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development held in Beijing, China on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The theme of the conference is "Action-Oriented: Building a Global Community of Development for All", the conference focuses on accelerating the implementation of the UN Agenda for 2030 through practical, multilateral cooperation.
The event brought together more than 600 representatives from more than 140 countries, including high-level officials from Timor-Leste, Mozambique, Pakistan, Ghana, and the UN.
The Vice-PM during his speech, expressed his great honor to represent the Government of Timor-Leste at this Third High Level Conference.
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, to the China International Development Cooperation Agency, and to President Chen Xiaodong for convening this important forum.This forum reflects our joint commitment to advancing the Global Progressive Development Initiative Agenda 2030 through practical cooperation, partnerships, and collective action”.
It is especially meaningful for us to gather in Beijing, a city that stands as a testament to five thousand years of civilization reflecting a rich history and cultural heritage, shaped by resilience, vision, and long-term commitment.
China’s transformation in recent decades has had a significant impact not only nationally, but also globally, contributing to economic growth, technological advancement, and development cooperation.
He considers that today, China stands as a major global force in economic development, playing an increasingly important role in shaping global progress. Its experience offers valuable lessons, particularly for developing countries, such as Timor-Leste, to seek inclusive and sustainable progress.
"For Timor-Leste, China continues to be a very important partner in our development journey. Our relationship is rooted in history and mutual respect. Our shared history dates back to 1975, when China was the only country to recognize our unilateral declaration of independence, and reaffirmed a commitment when we restored our independence. Sovereign state in 2002.”
The Vice-PM said that Timor-Leste also recalled with deep appreciation the establishment of diplomatic relations with China as the first country in Dili, which marked an important step in its commitment as a newly independent country.
"Since then, our cooperation with China has continued to grow, particularly in infrastructure, capacity building, and economic development, and also through China's strong support for Timor-Leste's accession to the World Trade Organization and ASEAN. China is a friend who is present when we need it, and a friend who stands with us in difficult times. Words alone are not enough to express our gratitude. We feel that China’s continued development and prosperity will positively contribute to regional and global progress. We believe that as China prospers, the rest of the world will prosper."
He added, since Timor-Leste's independence, the country have established a clear foreign policy of remaining neutral. "However, we are here to reiterate our firm commitment to the One China Policy, which we have always had in the past, in the present, and we will continue to maintain in the future."
The spirit of the forum reminds us that global progress requires collective effort. It requires that countries must work together, support each other, and build partnerships based on mutual respect and shared benefit.
Timor-Leste remains committed to learning from international experiences, especially from China and Development Partners who have been supporting Timor-Leste's development journey, while actively contributing to global development efforts.
"We are encouraged by the continued emphasis on practical cooperation under this forum, including initiatives that support poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable economic growth. We firmly believe that by working together, we can build a better future that is more inclusive, more resilient, and more prosperous for all. I wish you all a productive and successful conference."
The role of Timor-Leste represents a developing country, where Timor-Leste brings the voice of small and developing countries to show needs such as infrastructure, poverty reduction, human resource development, promote international cooperation.
Timor-Leste seeks to strengthen relations with other countries in the areas of: investment, technology transfer, education and training, commitment to sustainable development.
Timor-Leste supports the objectives of the United Nations, including: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, strengthening its position in the international world Participation in this forum helps Timor-Leste to enhance diplomacy, open new opportunities and promote the country's potential.
The objective of the Third High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development is to expand stronger global cooperation for inclusive and sustainable development. In more detail, the main objectives include strengthening international cooperation.
Countries and organizations come together to increase collaboration to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality, promote joint development, focus on economic growth that does not benefit only one country, but provides fair benefits to all parties exchange ideas and policies.
This forum serves as a platform to share experiences, strategies, and best practices among developing countries.
This conference is aligned with the global agenda of the United Nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthen global solidarity, emphasize the importance of cooperation between regions to create stability, peace, and prosperity together, promote investment and innovation,” said Vice-PM.
Meanwhile Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said more human resources training programs would be implemented to help developing countries strengthen their capacity for self-sufficient and resilient development.
Wang said China will help Global South countries promote digital and smart development.
The key outcomes of the conference were the Launch of the Action Plan. The conference released a list of deliverables for the Shared Future Action Plan, outlining 50 key measures across eight priority areas, including poverty reduction, food security, the digital economy, and green development.
With a regional focus, the conference emphasized strengthening cooperation with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific.
The conference was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, the President of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Chen Xiaodong, ministers, the Ambassador of the Republic of Timor-Leste to the People's Republic of China, Lorodo and invited guests. other distinct.
