Timor Leste To Establish Consulate Office In Indonesia

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, Feb 5 (Antara) - Timor Leste`s consulate office will be established in the Belu District of the East Nusa Tenggara Province, according to Belu Regent Joachim Lopez on Wednesday. "The opening of the Timor Leste consulate in the Belu District is intended to provide public services to the former citizens of Timor Leste, who are residing in the Belu and Malaka Districts," stated Joachim in an interview here to Antara. The Regent elaborated that the preparations for the establishment of the office, such as its location and administrative services, have been completed after the Foreign Ministry agreed to the plan. The Belu Administration has conducted a join meeting with the Consul General of Timor Leste Feliciano da Costa to discuss the consulate establishment plans. Joachim noted that the Belu Administration has provided the land for the consulate building near the Atambua Immigration Office, which is located in proximity to the road that connects to the Mota`ain border gate. "The land has been allocated for setting up the consulate office and is located near the immigration office to ensure smooth coordination among the officers," Joachim claimed. Joachim hoped that with the opening of the consulate office in the Belu District, bilateral ties among people of the same lineage can be boosted and inter-border trade can flourish. "The opening of the consulate office will enhance ties and mutual understanding. I have called on the Belu people to support the establishment of the consulate in the district," Regent remarked. The consulate office will manage the inter-country traffic to Indonesia. The consulate will also facilitate activities related to Indonesia. "If the office has been established in Belu, the Timor Leste citizens will be saved the trouble of travelling to Kupang in order to manage their administrative work," Joachim emphasized. The Timor Leste government will depute their staff in the consulate office to manage the administrative tasks. "We are optimistic that all plans can be successfully and quickly implemented, so that the office can be ready to offers its services," Joachim explained.