Timor-Leste’s Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, recently visited China’s Hunan Province to deepen co-operation in geology, mining, higher education and sustainable development.

During the visit, he attended the opening of a nine-day seminar on “Mining and Sustainable Development” at the Hunan Provincial Geological Academy for Timorese mid- and senior-level officials. The training covers mineral prospecting, green mine development, environmental management, ecological restoration of mining areas and the prevention of geological hazards.

The Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening geological knowledge and training specialists to support the sustainable development of mineral resources. He also expressed interest in joint initiatives in mineral prospecting, ecological restoration and hydrogeological studies.

The visit also included a meeting at Hunan Normal University in Changsha to discuss possible co-operation in higher education, teacher training and student exchanges. The discussions also covered training for public officials and the establishment of scholarship programmes.

Tomás do Rosário Cabral highlighted the university’s Portuguese-language course and its contribution to academic and institutional exchanges with Timor-Leste. He invited Chinese teachers, researchers and students to undertake research, teaching and exchange activities in Timor-Leste in collaboration with local institutions.

The visit continued co-operation between Timor-Leste and Hunan, with particular emphasis on human-resource development and technical and academic exchanges.

(Source: Government of Timor-Leste, 21 September)