Thailand, Timor-Leste mark 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations

BANGKOK, December 2 (TNA) - Thailand and Timor-Leste marks 10 years of bilateral ties and the role that Thailand has played in Timor-Leste’s independence since in 2002. Joao Freitas de Camara, the Timor-Leste Ambassador to Thailand said Timor-Leste highly valued its friendship with Thailand and looked forward to a more fruitful partnership with the Kingdom in the future. The Ambassador also spoke of his country’s keenness to join ASEAN, while highlighting that a shortage in human resources was the Timor’s biggest challenge to overcome before joining the Southeast Asian grouping. Security and stability are other major concerns for Southeast Asia’s youngest state and it remains to be seen how Timor-Leste will be able to maintain its own security after UN peace keepers leave the country next month after helping Dili maintain peace during the presidential elections and the period of political transition earlier this year. (TNA)