The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Fact-Finding Mission to Timor-Leste (Photo: asean.org)

Through visits and interfaces with various ministries and agencies on July 6-8, the mission provided first-hand information and showcased Timor-Leste’s programmes on health; education and vocational training; employment; environment and forestry; early warning systems; social services and social welfare for vulnerable groups; rehabilitation of women and child victims of violence; information and communications, among others.

At the last meeting in Timor-Leste, ASEAN delegates commended the nation’s progress in socio-cultural development and welcomed its participation in the bloc’s non-policy making activities for capacity building purposes.

This was the second of the three fact finding missions. Previously, the ASEAN Political-Security Community fact-finding mission took place from 3-6 September 2019. The ASEAN Economic Community is planning to conduct its mission later in July this year.