Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to Timor-Leste at meeting with President José Ramos-Horta

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 Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to Timor-Leste at meeting with President José Ramos-Horta

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., today reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to Timor-Leste, when he met with President José Ramos-Horta to discuss Ireland’s new four-year programme of assistance to the country.

Minister Power and President Horta, who is on a two-day State visit to Ireland, held detailed discussions on Timor-Leste’s development priorities during their meeting in Leinster House. Irish Aid, the Government’s programme of assistance to developing countries, is currently finalising a new development strategy for Timor-Leste which will run from 2010 to 2013.

Speaking after their meeting today, Minister Power said:

“President Horta and I held a very constructive meeting, which was focused on the challenges which face Timor-Leste and the support which Ireland will offer over the coming years. Ireland’s development programme is closely-aligned with the priorities which the Government of Timor-Leste has identified.

Ireland’s development programme is focused on building youth employment, rural infrastructure, gender equality, human rights and conflict resolution.  It also has a strong focus on building the capacity of local government to strengthen the delivery of social services.

This year we will provide almost €5 million in support for Timor-Leste. This includes support for conflict resolution activities. The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Conflict Resolution Unit is a peace-building initiative designed to share the lessons Ireland learned from the conflict in the North with fragile, post-conflict states.

 I am very pleased that our targeted and effective programme in Timor-Leste incorporates these immediate conflict-resolution activities with our longer-term development objectives in an integrated programme which is designed to respond to Timor-Leste’s needs.

In the years since independence, Timor-Leste has overcome many challenges, but the needs are still significant. I assured President Horta and the people of Timor-Leste, that Ireland remains committed to tackling poverty in their country and supporting them to build the capacity of their young institutions.”

For further information or to request an interview with Minister Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975

Notes to the editor

• Timor-Leste has been an Irish Aid priority country since 2003. The focus of Ireland’s assistance - which exceeded €30 million between 2003 and 2009 - has been on reducing poverty by improving social services; strengthening governance and human rights and building the capacity of the public service.
• A new development strategy is currently being drawn up for Timor-Leste and will run from 2010 to 2013. This year, Ireland will spend almost €5 million supporting Timor.
• Concern and Trócaire have been active in Timor-Leste for several years. Since 2006, Irish Aid has provided approximately €2.5 million to support their long-term development programmes in the country and has provided additional funding for emergency and humanitarian assistance. Fellowships have also been provided for 8 Timorese students since 2003.
• Timor- Leste was selected as the first country for international engagement by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Conflict Resolution Unit. This peace-building programme is designed to share the lessons learned during the conflict in Northern Ireland with fragile and post-conflict states.

ENDS+++

Press Office

9 March 2010