Xi extends hand of friendship

Bolstering ties with Timor-Leste

President Xi Jinping and Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao jointly announced bilateral relations' elevation to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership on Saturday.

During their meeting in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province and host city of the ongoing 19th Asian Games, Xi said this upgrade of ties demonstrates a practical need for bilateral cooperation and the two peoples' shared expectations.

China is willing to continue to uphold the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and to join hands with Timor-Leste in the process of modernization, he added.

Xi emphasized that staunchly supporting each other's core interests and major concerns provides an important political foundation for strengthened relations.
He highlighted the need for both countries to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and to deepen cooperation to advance industrial revitalization, infrastructure construction, food self-sufficiency and livelihood improvements.

China supports Timor-Leste's further integration into regional development and is willing to strengthen exchanges through such platforms as the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, he added.

Timor-Leste's prime minister said he is happy that bilateral relations have achieved positive results in recent years, and the people of Timor-Leste will always remember the Chinese government's timely and tremendous help during his nation's fight against COVID-19. He also welcomed investment by Chinese enterprises. And he reiterated that Timor-Leste steadfastly adheres to the one-China policy.

The two sides subsequently issued a joint statement on the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership.