Lafaek News–Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste KINEFUCHI Masami said japan has contributed a large sum of $6.6 million to the Government of Timor Leste to date to help addressing the Corona virus cause.

“You might not know very well but Japan has been and will be the largest donor on corona virus issue. Actually our assistance to Timor-Leste so far, during corona situation is $6.6 million USD and this is actually the largest amount and will come up $ 10 million soon and we are very proud of that,” said Ambassador KINEFUCHI Masami in his brief remarks on congratulating the Timorese scholarship holders who will very soon depart to Japan, at the Japanese Embassy in Dili, on Friday (23/10/2020).

Ambassador also, appreciated and congratulated the Government and the people of Timor Leste for taking serious measures to overcome this very tough situation, particularly in the health sector. To date, Timor-Leste has been very successful in containing the Corona virus spreading however  the ongoing and pressing challenge that Timor-Leste Government is facing at the moment is the economic downturn.

“I want to say, even corona, Japan is backing this country because we are friend. Since 1999 before this country had independence, Japan has been strongly support in terms of nation building and we are committed to do that,” said Mr. KINEFUCHI Masami

In terms of cooperation, Japan has contributed to Timor Leste in many different aspects but the current focus is on the human resource factor. Until now, the Japanese Government has sent a total of 200 Timorese scholars to Japan on a scholarship program where almost 100 of scholars have completed their studies and will soon receive their certificates in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

“I would like to do and continue doing this kind of fellowship and scholarship program as much as possible because human resource is very important in all countries but especially in this young country,” he said

Journalist       : Felisberto F. da Costa

Editor             :  Maya M. J. Guterres