F-FDTL guarantees country's defence and security

The 1960s-designed 175-tonne Shanghai class boats of the East Timor Navy

Timor Post, January 13, 2011 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Naval Commander, Colonel Pedro Klamar Fuik, said the 9th anniversary of the Naval Component which was held yesterday was part of consolidating the Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) soldiers to guarantee defence and security sectors in the country.

"Today the Timorese Naval Component celebrates its 9th anniversary and it means that the state of Timor-Leste has made a big change to modernize the F-FDTL," Colonel Klamar Fuik said.

Klamar Fuik added the F-FDTL was now making efforts to better develop the naval component. He added that there were 54 naval officers in the inception of the Naval Component in January 12, 2002. But these numbers have increased to 244 officers.