Clayton Bennett – East Timor will open a consulate in Darwin. East Timorese President Taur Matan Ruak made the announcement to Chief Minister Adam Giles at a meeting in Darwin yesterday.

Mr Giles and President Taur Matan Ruak held their second round of talks in the Top End to discuss strengthening trade and diplomatic ties.

The Chief Minister said having an East Timorese consulate in Darwin was evidence of the Territory's growing relationship with the Asian neighbour. "It cements our friendship and recognises the importance of the Territory to the Timor-Leste economy," Mr Giles said.

Since his visit to Dili in May, Mr Giles has worked closely with the East Timorese Government to build stronger regional relations and economic opportunities.

"I think a few Timorese students supported by CDU Medical School would be in the best interest of Timor and the Territory."

"The new Consulate will give the two governments a direct line of communication as we work to build stronger economic, cultural, social and environmental ties," Mr Giles said.

"We are also keen to build a tri-lateral relationship between the NT, Timor-Leste and eastern Indonesia and have agreed to sponsor a business forum in Bali in November, which will seek to involve all three jurisdictions."

Getting seasonal workers into the NT from East Timor was also on the agenda for this week's Darwin talks, as well as croc management.

"We have a lot of expert knowledge about crocodiles to share with Timor-Leste and we are keen to help the country manage its growing crocodile population," Mr Giles said.

"Timor-Leste has been a close friend of the Territory for many years and the announcement of a consulate in Darwin is evidence that the relationship continues to go from strength to strength."