Venidora Oliveira – The Japanese government has committed to continue supporting training programs for the Falintil-Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL).
President of the National Defense Academy of Japan Ryosei Kokubun said bilateral relations between the two countries was excellent and was also helping to strengthen both nations in various aspects. "We continue to give support in training area especially for soldiers," Kokubun said.
He said many young Timorese had attended training at the Military Academy of Japan. "We are happy because young soldiers can come and learn in our academy and they really show their abilities [in the training]," he said.
He said human resources training was also important to ensure institutional development in the future.
Head of the F-FDTL, Major General Lere Anan Timor said that the support of the Japanese government was helping the F-FDTL develop as an institution.
He said the training provided by the Japanese government had helped Timorese soldiers increase their military skills and abilities, including in the engineering field.
Japanese defense personnel have also visited Timor-Leste to help provide technical assistance to F-FDTL officers. A Japanese military ship also recently visited Timor-Leste to provide medical training, he said.
National MP Cesar Valente said that as a developing country, Timor needed support from international partners. "I think they (Japan) are not only supporting the defense sector, they are also providing support in other areas and it is good and we appreciate it," he said.