Vietnam and Timor-Leste foster Parliamentary cooperation: Ambassador Pham Binh Dam
WVR - On October 14, in the capital city of Dili, Vietnamese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam paid a courtesy call to President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam and President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste) |
The meeting focused on discussing parliamentary cooperation, sharing legislative experiences, participating in regional inter-parliamentary mechanisms, and completing procedures for ratifying the visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders between the two countries.
President of the National Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay assessed that Vietnam's experience in law-making and national governance is practically significant for Timor-Leste in its process of institutional improvement and international integration. She expressed a desire to enhance cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, with a focus on exchanges between parliamentarians, specialized agencies, and advisory staff to improve the quality of legislative activities.
Ambassador Pham Binh Dam shared Vietnam's experience in reviewing and perfecting laws to serve economic development, attract investment, and fulfill international commitments. The Ambassador emphasized that joining ASEAN requires adjustments and improvements to the legal and policy framework; Vietnam is ready to share practical experiences, including challenges and lessons learned during the integration process, for Timor-Leste to consider when implementing its obligations as an ASEAN member.
Regarding cooperation at the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), President of the National Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay expressed a desire to continue receiving support and experience sharing from Vietnam to enable the National Parliament of Timor-Leste to effectively participate in AIPA activities. The meeting also discussed the possibility of arranging meetings between representatives of the two countries' parliaments on the sidelines of upcoming AIPA sessions. The National Parliament of Timor-Leste is preparing to become an official member of AIPA.
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| President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay wishes to continue receiving support and experience sharing from Vietnam. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste) |
On this occasion, Ambassador Pham Binh Dam reiterated the invitation from Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man to President of the National Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay to visit Vietnam at a convenient time.
Discussing administrative reform and digital transformation, the Ambassador introduced Vietnam's experience in organizing the administrative apparatus, developing online public services, and monitoring the progress of administrative procedures. President of the National Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay expressed her impression of Vietnam's remarkable advancements and a desire to learn from its experiences, while also acknowledging Telemor's contributions in expanding telecommunications connectivity in Timor-Leste, especially in rural areas.
Regarding the visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders between Vietnam and Timor-Leste, signed in Hanoi in June 2026, the Ambassador stated that Vietnam has completed the necessary internal procedures. According to information released by the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, the approval dossier for the agreement was received on October 5 and forwarded to the specialized committee on October 6. President of the National Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay indicated that the agreement is expected to be brought to the December 2026 session for consideration and approval.
The agreement's entry into force will facilitate people-to-people exchanges, tourism, trade, and cooperation between the two countries.
(Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste)
