Dili, March 27, 2008---The World Bank congratulates the Government of Timor-Leste on holding the 2008 Development Partners’ Meeting.
The Bank is pleased to be able to contribute to the meeting and work with the Government of Timor-Leste on building foundations for peace and stability and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
“We all acknowledge the tremendous challenges facing this young nation. The recent attempts on the lives of the President and Prime Minister were a terrible reminder of how fragile security and stability can be. That the Government was able to respond so quickly and calmly and maintain order was hugely impressive and creates confidence going forward” said Mr. Nigel Roberts, World Bank Country Director Pacific Islands, PNG and Timor-Leste.
The World Bank is committed to a broad range of programs in Timor-Leste from delivery of essential services to assisting in planning and financial management and the development of initiatives to assist youth.
The Bank has bolstered its team in Timor-Leste as part of an overall renewal of our country strategy.
The Bank’s office, under the leadership of Country Manager Antonio Franco, will continue to assist the Government of Timor-Leste define and implement its 2008 National Priorities.
“A country such as Timor-Leste is confronted with many immediate concerns from the obvious security and stability to employment, health, improving social services and providing opportunity and hope for the nation’s youth. We at the World Bank want to work with the Government to set achievable short-term goals and long-term strategies to ensure the people of Timor-Leste get a dividend on their long struggle for independence” Mr. Roberts said.
The Bank particularly acknowledges the commitment of the other development partners in Timor-Leste and looks forward to continuing our strong relationship.
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Statements by Nigel Roberts, Country Director
Timor-Leste, PNG and Pacific Islands,
East Asia and Pacific Region, The World Bank
Opening Remarks (120kb pdf)
Closing Remarks (164kb pdf)
For further information please contact:
Stan Grant – Senior Communications Officer World Bank in Sydney, Australia
Tlp +61 448 099 101
Email: sgrant@worldbank.org
Or
Dionisio da Cruz Pereira – Public Information Centre World Bank
Dili, Timor-Leste
Ph: +670 7285744
Email: dpereira@worldbank.org
For more information about the Timor-Leste Development Partners' Meeting,
read the background paper (pdf)
For more information about the World Bank in Timor-Leste, visit http://www.worldbank.org/tl
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