AKP Phnom Penh, July 03, 2025 --

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 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes expressed Timor-Leste’s sincere 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 successful completion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia and commended his dedication to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Timor-Leste. He particularly appreciated the Ambassador's efforts since April 2020 in promoting fruitful bilateral relations between the two countries. 

H.E. Prak Sokhonn also expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for facilitating the recent official visit of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, to Timor-Leste and acknowledged 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, President of the Senate of Cambodia, for his exemplary leadership and noted that his name is well-known and 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.

By C. Nika