MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
The Hon Melissa Parke MP, Minister for International Development
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In her first official engagement as Minister for International Development, The Hon Melissa Parke MP today hosted a reception at which 23 Timorese scholarship holders met with the President of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak.
President Taur Matan Ruak is in Canberra as an official guest of the Australian Government. He is making his first visit to Australia as Timor-Leste's Head of State.
'It was an honour to meet President Taur Matan Ruak and to discuss Australia's aid program with Timor-Leste. We are working closely with the Timorese government to fight poverty, develop educational opportunities and build civic infrastructure,' Ms Parke said.
The reception showcased the Australia Awards program which has provided over 290 scholarships to Timorese scholars to study at Australian universities since the country achieved its independence in 2002.
Ms Parke highlighted the important role that the Australia Awards play in reducing poverty and promoting growth and development.
'Education changes lives. It provides people with the opportunity to overcome poverty and to build safer and stronger communities,' Ms Parke said.
'Scholars come to Australia to learn so that they can take their knowledge home to benefit their communities.
'Many have become senior officials, eminent academics or heads of NGOs. Several have become ministers in Timor-Leste's government and are using the skills they acquired in Australia to benefit the whole country.
'The other great dividend of the Australia Awards is the lasting people-to-people links that they help establish and grow between our two countries.'
Under the Australia Awards program, Timorese scholars are undertaking studies in a range of fields linked to Timor-Leste's development including health, education, public policy, environmental management and economics.
There are currently 99 Australia Awards recipients from Timor-Leste enrolled in Australian universities. In 2013-14, up to 35 Australia Awards will be offered to Timorese candidates to build their skills for the benefit of Timor-Leste.
Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian Government that offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research or professional development in Australia.
Media contact: Ronald Mizen – 0409 447 025