06 December 2016

Timor-Leste set to host International Conference on Maritime Boundaries and the Law of the Sea

Timor-Leste set to host International Conference on Maritime Boundaries and the Law of the Sea

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Dili, May 18th, 2016

Timor-Leste set to host International Conference on Maritime Boundaries and the Law of the Sea

Some of the world’s foremost experts on maritime boundaries and the law of the sea have arrived in Timor-Leste to participate in a unique international conference to take place tomorrow at the Dili Convention Centre.

The ‘Dili International Conference: Maritime Boundaries and the Law of the Sea’ has been organized by Timor-Leste’s Maritime Boundary Office to raise awareness of the importance of the law of the sea and the role of international tribunals in resolving disputes peacefully. The conference coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea [ITLOS] set up by the United Nations in 1996 and features the current President of ITLOS, Judge Vladimir Golitsyn as a keynote speaker.

After Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo opens the Conference on Thursday morning the President of ITLOS delivers his keynote address. Two panel discussions are set to follow. The first, including President Golitsyn [Russia], Professor Vaughan Lowe QC [UK] and Ambassador Eddy Pratomo [Indonesia], moderated by Minister of State H.E Dionisio Babo Soares, considers ‘Global Perspectives on Maritime Boundaries’. The second with Minister of State H.E. Agio Pereira, Ms. Jalila Abdul Jalil [Malaysia], Mr. I Made Andi Arsana [Indonesia] and Dr. Hao Duy Phan [Singapore], moderated by Ms. Janelle Saffin, focuses on ‘Regional Perspectives on Maritime Boundaries’, in particular, the Timor Sea.

The main themes emerging from the conference will be summarized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Hernâni Coelho before closing remarks are delivered by. H.E. Mari Alkatiri.

Spokesperson for the Sixth Constitutional Government, Minister of State Agio Pereira expressed his appreciation for those coming to participate in the Conference and said “the Government of Timor-Leste welcomes delegates and welcomes the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the role of the Law of the Sea and maritime boundaries.” He noted “Timor-Leste values the role of international law in dispute resolution and recognizes the important role of bodies such as ITLOS in protecting the rights of smaller states and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes.” ENDS

ETLJB

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