Commissioner visits Timor-Leste and launches programme to support democracy and sustainable development

The European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs visited Timor Leste on 7-10 March 2011 to reaffirm the support provided by the European Union to the country and the determination to assist it in climbing up the development ladder.

Mr Piebalgs signed a package of four strategic programmes for a total of €39 million to support democratic governance, development of the rural areas and the role of civil society. The Commissioner also met with the country's president and Nobel Peace Prize winner José Ramos-Horta, as well as with other key political figures and with representatives of the civil society.

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/11/142, 07.03.11: Q&A on EU aid to Timor Leste http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-11-142_en.htm

European Commission: DG Communication: SPEECH/11/152, 07.03.11: EU supports Timor Leste on its way to stable democracy and sustainable development http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-11-152_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Relations between Timor-Leste and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-timor-leste-and-the-european-union/

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