Timor--Leste Workshop

Sept. 16, 2008

Timor-Leste National Security Policy Development Workshop

The Timor-Leste security environment and national security policy development was the focus of a workshop that brought together more than 30 participants from Timor-Leste and around the world to APCSS September 9-12 .

Leading the workshop “Timor-Leste National Security Policy Development Workshop” were Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister Jose-Luis Guterres and APCSS Director retired Army Lt. Gen. Ed Smith. Attendees include senior representatives of the Timor-Leste Government, defense and interior agencies and forces, parliamentarians, members of the civil society involved and interested in Timor-Leste security matters, and selected representatives of the international community.

A number of ambassadors participated in a panel presentation yesterday on international experience in developing security policies. Ambassadors attending include U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste Hans Klemm, Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Peter Heyward. New Zealand Ambassador to Timor-Leste Ruth Nuttall, Portuguese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Joao Ramos-Pinto, Indonesia’s Charge' d'Affairs Kiki Kusprabowo, and Mr. Colin Steward representing the United Nations Integrated Mission to Timor-Leste.

Participants are reflecting on a number of key areas including: key current and anticipated security concerns confronting Timor-Leste, evolving and expected roles and responsibilities of Timor-Leste security forces, national security policy that effectively addresses security concerns, next steps required towards the development and implementation of national security policy, and further enhancement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Timor-Leste security sector.

More information to follow in the next few days.

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APCSS addresses regional and global security issues, inviting military and civilian representatives of the United States and Asia-Pacific nations to its comprehensive program of courses and conferences, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Center supports the U.S. Pacific Command’s objective of developing professional and personal ties among national security establishments throughout the region. APCSS focuses on a multilateral and multi-dimensional approach to defining and addressing regional security issues and concerns. The most beneficial result is building relationships of trust and confidence among future leaders and decision-makers within the region.

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