South Korea's Foreign Minister Jo Hyun held talks with East Timor's Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas on June 29, discussing ways to enhance bilateral relations.
Minister Jo emphasized that the shared history from 1999 to 2003, when South Korea deployed the Sangnoksu unit to assist East Timor during its independence and nation-building process, is a significant asset in the relationship between the two countries. He stated that South Korea aims to be a true friend and cooperative partner as East Timor accelerates its national development.
From 1999 to 2003, South Korea sent over 3,000 troops as part of the Sangnoksu unit to maintain security and provide humanitarian assistance in East Timor.
Freitas, visiting South Korea for the first time in 15 years, expressed that East Timor values its relationship with South Korea highly. He hopes that this meeting will further develop not only the friendly ties between South Korea and East Timor but also the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Korea and ASEAN.
Both ministers acknowledged that labor cooperation through the Employment Permit System has significantly contributed to the economies and friendship of both nations. Minister Jo proposed expanding cooperation in areas that East Timor considers key to its national development, such as education, human resource development, and strengthening government capacity.
Additionally, the two ministers agreed to actively seek cooperation in climate change initiatives, including international greenhouse gas reduction projects and carbon capture and storage (CCS), as well as in marine and infrastructure sectors. They also expressed a commitment to enhance security cooperation to combat transnational crime.
Minister Jo emphasized that the shared history from 1999 to 2003, when South Korea deployed the Sangnoksu unit to assist East Timor during its independence and nation-building process, is a significant asset in the relationship between the two countries. He stated that South Korea aims to be a true friend and cooperative partner as East Timor accelerates its national development.
From 1999 to 2003, South Korea sent over 3,000 troops as part of the Sangnoksu unit to maintain security and provide humanitarian assistance in East Timor.
Freitas, visiting South Korea for the first time in 15 years, expressed that East Timor values its relationship with South Korea highly. He hopes that this meeting will further develop not only the friendly ties between South Korea and East Timor but also the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Korea and ASEAN.
Both ministers acknowledged that labor cooperation through the Employment Permit System has significantly contributed to the economies and friendship of both nations. Minister Jo proposed expanding cooperation in areas that East Timor considers key to its national development, such as education, human resource development, and strengthening government capacity.
Additionally, the two ministers agreed to actively seek cooperation in climate change initiatives, including international greenhouse gas reduction projects and carbon capture and storage (CCS), as well as in marine and infrastructure sectors. They also expressed a commitment to enhance security cooperation to combat transnational crime.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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