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On the occasion of his State visit to Vietnam (July 31 - August 3), President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta shared stories of cooperation between Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

President To Lam hosted a ceremony to welcome Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on a state visit to Vietnam from July 31 to August 3.

What are the highlights of your visit to Vietnam this time?

I believe that high-level visits are crucial in directly connecting, and energizing our relationships, especially when there are leadership changes. Direct contact and connection are essential for leaders to understand each other, create a positive and harmonious atmosphere, and thereby promote cooperation.

Vietnam has consistently supported Timor-Leste since our struggle for independence 40-50 years ago. Since regaining our independence in 2002, we have established diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Vietnam has also been supportive of Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership.

During my visit, I discussed with Vietnamese leaders many areas where we can expand our cooperation. I am impressed by the excellent investment project of the Viettel Group in Timor-Leste through its subsidiary, Telemor. Telecommunications technology plays a crucial role in the modern era, especially for those living in rural areas.

Telemor, a digital telecommunications company, has reached and connected villages across Timor-Leste. In a short time, the company has become nationally renowned. I am impressed by Telemor's enthusiastic support for our people. I would like to see more cooperation models like this expanded.

Vietnam can be considered a leading country in agriculture and agricultural traceability, agricultural technology, irrigation systems, seed quality, marketing, and agricultural-related infrastructure. We hope that Vietnam can send some skilled farmers to work in Timor-Leste. In this way, they can work on our land, and the people of Timor-Leste can see them work every day. Learning from practical experience is much better than through classes or workshops. We look forward to a future with a greater Vietnamese presence in our country.

President Jose Ramos-Horta in an interview. Photo: Tuan Viet

Having visited Vietnam many times, how do you feel about the development of our country over the years?

I have been to Vietnam a total of 4 times. The first time was in January 2000, the second time was when I was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the third time was in 2010, when I was the President and this is my 4th visit.

Over the years, I have learned a lot about Vietnam, through the press and many other means. Over the years, I have also read a lot about the great leader Ho Chi Minh and all the outstanding generals of Vietnam. I also read about the tragedies that affected Vietnam such as the bombings, the herbicides that destroyed Vietnam's forests or the famine that killed 2 million people in 1945.

However, all of that belongs to the past, to memories that live forever with the Vietnamese people. Today, Vietnam has become a country with international prestige, independent in foreign policy, and prosperous development. And I believe that in a few years, Vietnam can be in the top 5, top 10 of the world's leading countries.

How do you assess the importance of the ASEAN “common home” in ensuring regional development and prosperity as well as Timor-Leste’s efforts to become an official member of ASEAN?

I hope that in 2025, next year, when Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN 2025, Timor-Leste can join ASEAN as its eleventh member.

Many ASEAN leaders have told me that when their countries first joined ASEAN, they were poorer than Timor-Leste. But they still joined the Association immediately. Therefore, we are ready to join ASEAN. As long as everyone understands that we will need another 5 or 10 years to continue improving and developing.

If the ASEAN leaders agree, we will certainly tell ourselves to work even harder to join ASEAN in 2025. However, if the ASEAN leaders decide it will be 2026 or 2027, for us, that's not the end either.

For me, Vietnam is one of the most influential and prestigious countries in the world today. Despite the many fluctuations in the global situation, Vietnam has emerged as a stable, peaceful, and responsible country with many important contributions to ASEAN.

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