The Territory Labor Government will continue to strengthen cultural and political ties with Timor-Leste through an inter-governmental visit to mark tomorrow’s 20th anniversary of independence.
Timorese-born Territorian and Member for Katherine Sandra Nelson will represent the Chief Minister at the ceremony in Dili and take part in a bilateral parliamentary representative program of meetings with Federal members of Parliament.
Ms Nelson will also take the opportunity to talk to the Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, Nelio Isaac Sarmento, about the nation’s attendance at the next Arafura Games in 2021.
The 20th anniversary of independence, or Anniversary of the Popular Consultation, marks the day in 1999 when Timorese people overwhelmingly voted for Independence from Indonesia in a referendum.
Ms Nelson will attend several official functions to commemorate independence.
Ms Nelson will continue talks on Timor-Leste’s involvement in the 2021 Arafura Games after officials from Timor-Leste advised at a bilateral meeting in Dili last month that they would send a larger team to compete in the next Games.
Timor-Leste was the first country to sign up when the Territory Labor Government announced it would bring back the Arafura Games.
During this year’s Games, Timor-Leste was represented by 26 athletes and 21 team officials across para athletics, basketball (men’s and women’s), football and swimming (incl para swimming). Timor-Leste team won seven medals.
No NT Government officials are travelling with Ms Nelson. The total cost of her trip is $947.
Quotes from Member for Katherine, Sandra Nelson:
“The Northern Territory has an interest in the long-term prosperity of Timor-Leste and the continued strengthening of business, sporting and cultural ties between our regions.
“We have a shared history and strong people-to-people links and Australia is Timor-Leste’s largest partner in development and security.
“Opportunities to celebrate milestones such as the Anniversary of the Popular Consultation along with discussions on regional sporting opportunities, indicates the importance the Territory Labor Government places on our continued partnership.”
Media contact: Hannah West 0436 641 108.