Phnom penh: H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes, outgoing Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Cambodia, paid a farewell visit to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn, on July 3 at the ministry.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes expressed Timor-Leste’s gratitude to Cambodia for supporting the country to become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister congratulated Ambassador Lopes on the completion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia and commended his efforts to enhance the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Timor-Leste. He particularly appreciated the Ambassador’s work since April 2020 in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn also acknowledged the Ambassador’s role in facilitating the recent official visit of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, to Timor-Leste and recognized Timor-Leste’s progress towards becoming the 11th member of ASEAN, a decision expected in October 2025 in Malaysia.

Ambassador Lopes praised Samdech Techo Hun Sen for his leadership and noted that his name is respected in Timor-Leste. He also expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s COVID-19 relief assistance to Timor-Leste during the pandemic.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister assured the Ambassador that his successor would receive the same cooperation and support.