Timor-Leste aims to reinvigorate its oil and gas sector

摘要

I refer to Russell Searancke's opinion article "Upheaval in Timor-Leste a threat to Greater Sunrise scheme" (Upstream, 6 August 2020). It is very clear that you have been misinformed about recent developments in the oil and gas sector in Timor-Leste, especially the recent replacement of Mr Francisco Monteiro as the chief excutive of Timor GAP EP, and Mr Gualdino da Silva as the President of National Petroleum & Minerals Authority, as well as the resignation of Mr (Xanana) Gusmao as chief negotiator for Greater Sunrise fields. There has been no such "upheaval", and the feedback from all relevant stakeholders has been to the contrary. As you are aware, with the recent changes in the Timor-Leste Government sworn in on 24 June 2020, FRETILIN (the party with the most seats in the Timor-Leste national parliament) members have been included amongst it, holding key portfolios, including Petroleum and Mineral Resources. Natural resource development, of which petroleum is key, has been a driving factor in Timor-Leste's national development. Our government places a great deal of importance in the continuing development of this sector in our country.