On 30 October, Counsellor Zhao Suocheng travelled to Natarbora to attend and deliver remarks at the handover ceremony of the Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project (Phase II) in Timor-Leste.

The ceremony was attended by José Vieira de Araújo, Secretary of State for Livestock of Timor-Leste; José Soares, Director of the Agriculture Office of Manatuto Administrative Municipality; the Chinese agricultural experts; teachers and students from local agricultural schools; local farmers; and representatives of the media.

Counsellor Zhao noted that agriculture is a key area of cooperation between China and Timor-Leste. Over the past three years, the Chinese experts have carried out demonstration activities in crop cultivation and livestock farming, supported the selection and breeding of improved varieties, and promoted the application of agricultural technologies in Timor-Leste. These efforts have contributed to increased food production, higher incomes for local farmers and greater resilience of Timor-Leste’s food system. China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Timor-Leste and support the country in achieving food self-sufficiency at an early date.

Secretary of State Araújo expressed his sincere appreciation to the Chinese side, spoke highly of the dedication and hard work of the Chinese agricultural experts and the fruitful results achieved through the project, and expressed his expectation for further progress in agricultural cooperation between the two countries.