Brazil, East Timor sign deals on education, football

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:39:05 GMT DPA

Brasilia - Brazil and East Timor signed several bilateral deals Wednesday, including the extension until 2010 of a programme whereby Brazilian teachers will help train colleagues in the fellow- Portuguese-speaking country. The agreements were signed in Brasilia, in the framework of a visit by East Timorese President Jose Ramos Horta to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"Our initiatives have a direct impact on the quality of life of the people of East Timor," Lula said in a press conference.

"The idea is to offer instruments so that men and women (in East Timor) can shape their own destinies," Lula said.

The Brazilian president explained that the South American country - the winner of a record five editions of the World Cup - will from March train football coaches in Portuguese-speaking countries like East Timor.

The two presidents also agreed to cooperate on cultural matters including exchanges for artists and seminars on audiovisuals.

Ramos Horta, on his first visit to Brazil, said the main challenge for his government is the fight against violence and poverty.

"We have to conquer investors. Now, we have the responsibility to combat poverty," the East Timorese president said.

Ramos Horta referred to Lula as an "older brother," and announced the creation of an East Timorese diplomatic mission in Brasilia.

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Brazil's president to visit East Timor

Last Updated 31/01/2008, 16:02:16

Brazil's president, Lula da Silva, says he is planning a trip this year to East Timor, Indonesia and Vietnam, most likely in June.

He announced the planned voyage after receiving the Timorese president, Jose Ramos Horta, for an official lunch in Brasilia.

President Lula says his trip to East Timor will be preceded by visits by Brazilian ministers, and would be focused on an education cooperation program under which 50 Brazilian professors are training Timorese teachers.

He says Brazil has deep ties with East Timor, and Brazil has long been interested in East Timor's liberation.

President Lula says his country now has an obligation to contribute to seeing East Timor consolidate its total sovereignty.

Both countries were once Portuguese colonies.