Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam received the delegation of the Future Leaders of ASEAN (FLBA) program from Timor-Leste

The FLBA delegation consisted of 11 outstanding young delegates from different professions and fields (civil servants, businessmen, employees of international organizations, students), recruited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste. Accompanying the delegation were 2 representatives from the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Viet Nam.

On the DAV side were Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang, Diretor General of the Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies (IFPSS) and representatives from the IFPSS, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, Faculty of International Economics and the External Cooperation Department.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang briefly introduced the history, mission and vision of the DAV as well as its training and research programs. He highlighted activities of the DAV in recent years, especially the successful organization of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) in April.

The representatives of the FLBA introduced the country and people of Timor-Leste, covering its history, geography, culture, economy and Timor-Leste's efforts on the path of joining ASEAN. They also introduced the FLBA program as well as the delegation's purpose in visiting Vietnam was to promote cooperation between Timor-Leste and ASEAN countries, enhance understanding, and cultivating knowledge and skills for Timor-Leste's future generation of leaders, preparing for Timor-Leste's ASEAN integration process.

The two sides discussed Timor-Leste's strengths and potential contributions upon joining ASEAN, as well as the experiences and lessons that Timor-Leste can learn from ASEAN countries in general, and from Viet Nam in particular, in areas such as trade, investment, history, politics and diplomatic relations.

The FLBA program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, involves about 100 young citizens of Timor-Leste from various sectors. The delegates are divided into groups, visiting 10 ASEAN countries as a roadmap for Timor-Leste to be a part of ASEAN. The delegation is visiting Viet Nam from 16-27 June 2024. The FLBA’s visit to the DAV is a meaningful activity that contributes to promoting cooperation between Viet Nam and Timor-Leste and provides an opportunity for FLBA delegates to learn more about Viet Nam and ASEAN./.