During 14-17 September 2026, H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste, welcomed a delegation from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), led by Mr. Kirati Veruwan, Vice-President of NEDA, during its visit to Timor-Leste to follow up on the progress of the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) Project in Baguia and Quelicai, Baucau Municipality. The project is a trilateral cooperation initiative between the Governments of Thailand and Timor-Leste and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed at improving access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare for communities in remote areas and reducing maternal and infant mortality in Timor-Leste.

 

In addition to the field visit to Baucau, the delegation also held meetings with H.E. Ms. Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, Minister of Health, and Ms. Regina de Jesus, Vice-Minister of Finance of Timor-Leste, to update on the progress of the BEmONC Project and discuss opportunities to further expand development cooperation in the future. The delegation also met and exchanged views with relevant Timor-Leste institutions, including the executives of Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) and the Land and Maritime Boundary Office, as well as international organizations and development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNFPA and World Health Organization (WHO).

 

Discussions identified potential areas for further cooperation in the health sector, including strengthening nephrology services, nutrition and well-being, as well as in economic and environmental development, including promoting fiscal sustainability, developing domestic bond markets, advancing the Blue Economy, and supporting Timor-Leste’s preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.