China is keen to increase cooperation with Timor-Leste in the petrochemical, agriculture and fisheries sectors, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok during a meeting with his East Timorese counterpart, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

At the meeting with Minister Dionisio Babo Soares, China’s foreign minister also said that his country supports Timor-Leste so that it can play a greater role in regional and international affairs.

Wang said that both countries had been cooperating under the “Belt and Road” initiative with the development of a number of projects under construction by Chinese companies that benefit and improve the lives of the population.

Babo Soares said that China is a respected partner and friend of Timor-Leste and gave assurances that his country wants to continue to take part in the Belt and Road project by strengthening relations and working with China towards further development of bilateral cooperation. (Macauhub)