[2019-03-22] Portugal and Timor-Leste sign new Strategic Cooperation Programme in July

Source: Macauhub

Portugal and Timor-Leste are due in July to sign a new Strategic Cooperation Programme (PEC) valid for the 2019/2022 period, according to a statement released after the meeting of the Council of Ministers of 20 March.

The statement also said that the government approved the proposed PEC agreement presented by Minister Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares to be signed that month by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal and Timor-Leste.

The statement also said that PEC 2019/2022 sets the priority areas of intervention as, “Consolidation of the rule of law and good governance,” “Education, training and culture,” and “Inclusive socio-economic development.”

The new PEC for the period between 2019 and 2022, which has been negotiated between officials of the two countries, will replace a similar programme ended in late 2017 that was extended until 2018.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, Teresa Ribeiro, said in October, 2018 that the financial allocation for the new PEC would be in excess of 42 million euros.