On 19 December 2024, the Secretary General of the ASEAN-China Centre, Shi Zhongjun, met with Ambassador Maubere Lorosae Da Silva Horta of Timor-Leste to China at the Centre.
The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and exchanges between China and ASEAN countries in various fields such as trade, economy, and culture. Shi Zhongjun welcomed Ambassador Loro and emphasized the Centre's commitment to facilitating cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. He also highlighted the opportunities for Timor-Leste to promote its trade policies, cultural, and tourism resources in China through the Centre's platforms.
Ambassador Loro expressed his appreciation for the Centre's work, noting that it effectively bridges ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and Chinese local governments, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing. Timor-Leste is actively working towards its formal entry into ASEAN and looks forward to seeking cooperation opportunities in trade, economy, agriculture, and livelihood projects with the support of the Centre and other ASEAN Member States.