On June 9th, 2025, H.E. Ambassador Wang Wenli attended the handover ceremony of water tanks to Timor-Leste and delivered a speech. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Public Works Mr Samuel Marcal, UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste Ms Patrizia Di Giovanni, staff of BTL.E.P, staff of UN Agency and local media.
In her speech, Ambassador Wang Wenli stated that access to safe and clean water is a matter of health for children, women, and the broader community, and also one of dignity, opportunity, and future development. She emphasized that water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure hinder social progress and increase the vulnerability of disadvantaged groups, especially children. Once delivered, the water tanks will be distributed and installed in Ainaro, Baucau, Dili, and Ermera, providing local communities with a safe, stable, and easy-to-manage supply of clean water. This also represents a significant step toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of “ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.”
Ambassador Wang noted that China and Timor-Leste enjoy a traditional friendship and strong political ties. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have achieved cooperative results in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and healthcare. China remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste in its efforts to improve infrastructure and people’s wellbeing. With the support of the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, China will continue to cooperate with UNICEF under the project framework to provide water supply and purification equipment for local communities. Through community participation and capacity building, it will also promote the sustainable management of resources so that more people can enjoy clean and safe water.
Minister of Public Works Mr Samuel Marcal and UNICEF Representative Mrs Di Giovanni introduced the project and expressed their gratitude to the Chinese government for its support in infrastructure development. They expressed hope that the water tanks would improve water access for local residents, especially those in rural areas.
President of the BTL Mr Gustavo da Cruz and UNICEF Representative Mrs Di Giovanni signed the handover certificate. Ambassador Wang Wenli and Minister Samuel Marcal witnessed the signing and cut the ribbon for the water tanks together.