Philippine Ambassador pays courtesy call on Timor-Leste National Parliament President

^{Ambassador Belinda M. Ante (second from right) and National Parliament President Maria Fernanda Lay (third from right) are joined by National Parliament Vice Presidents Maria Terezinha Viegas (third from left) and Alexandrino Afonso Nunes (first from left) for a group photo.}

Dili, 17 August 2023 - Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Belinda M. Ante paid a courtesy call on Timor-Leste National Parliament President Maria Fernanda Lay at the National Parliament Building in Dili.

Ambassador Ante congratulated President Lay on her election as the first female President of the National Parliament.

Ambassador Ante expressed the Philippines’ commitment to provide technical assistance to Timor-Leste. She mentioned that the Philippine Government is exploring long-term responses in areas such as agriculture, health, and education, as well as immediate assistance in addressing developmental challenges including maternal mortality, malnutrition, and stunting.

Ambassador Ante highlighted the interest of large Philippine companies in exploring investment opportunities in Timor-Leste.

On inter-parliamentary cooperation, Ambassador Ante cited the interest of Philippine legislators in conducting parliamentary exchanges with Members of the Timor-Leste National Parliament.

National Parliament President Lay expressed appreciation for the interest of the Philippines in supporting Timor-Leste in key areas, emphasizing the importance of such support in addressing their developmental needs.

National Parliament President Lay welcomed the interest of Philippine legislators in conducting exchanges with their Timorese counterparts.

National Parliament President Lay sought technical assistance in gender mainstreaming in the budget process and strengthening oversight functions carried out by Members of Parliament.

National Parliament President Lay also highlighted the urgent need of Timor-Leste to gain expertise on recycling and generate awareness against littering in the country, particularly in Dili.

Ms. Maria Fernanda Lay has been a Member of Parliament since 2007. She has also been the secretary of her national group at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) since 2010. END