Minister Robyn Cahill leads delegation to Timor-Leste

The Northern Territory government will lead a delegation to Timor-Leste on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening economic relations, growing cultural ties – and sharing croc knowledge.

Minister Cahill will lead a five person delegation to Dili, leaving Tuesday. Photo by Jaime Gusmao on Unsplash.

The Northern Territory government will lead a delegation to Timor-Leste on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening economic relations, growing cultural ties – and sharing croc knowledge.

Trade, Business and Asian Relations Minister Robyn Cahill will lead the five person delegation for the three day trip, involving high-level engagements with senior government officials, local businesses, and industry leaders to advance bilateral relations under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between the two governments.

The estimated total cost for Ms Cahill and her two advisers was $10,000, while the estimated cost for the two departmental delegates was not provided.

Ms Cahill said supporting initiatives under the SPA reflected a shared commitment to co-operation and exchange, and built on the growing Territory-Timor bilateral relationship.

Robyn Cahill.

“Timor-Leste is one of the Northern Territory’s closest neighbours, and we are committed to working together on shared economic and development goals,” she said.

“Our partnership highlights practical co-operation across a range of areas including energy, health, sport, the environment and workforce development.

“Deepening our relationships across Asia is a key pillar of the CLP government’s plan to rebuild the economy, driving growth, investment and opportunity in both the Territory and Timor-Leste.”

The delegation will work with Timorese regional wildlife management groups to support the strengthening of local crocodile management programs.

They will also collaborate with local energy professionals to help improve the delivery of reliable electricity to remote and under-serviced areas, while facilitating workforce development opportunities for Timorese officials.

The visit coincides with the highly anticipated return of the Darwin to Dili Yacht Race after six years, which left Darwin on Saturday.

It also follows last week’s signing of a landmark healthcare partnership agreement, which aims to provide training, skilling and collaboration opportunities across the healthcare sector.