VZCZCXRO2336
OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHC #3658 2782143
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 052124Z OCT 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI IMMEDIATE 5956
INFO ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 8019
UNCLAS STATE 103658
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL TT
SUBJECT: A/S CAMPBELL,S SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 CONVERSATION
WITH TIMOR-LESTE FM DA COSTA
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On September 29 EAP Assistant Secretary
Kurt Campbell and Timorese Foreign Minister Zacarias da Costa
met in New York to discuss ideas for increasing U.S.
engagement in Southeast Asia. Da Costa welcomed a strong
U.S. role in Southeast Asia, particularly in security and
education, and supported the new U.S. approach to Burma. Ten
years after independence, Timor-Leste is still exploring its
own regional role. Campbell supported the planned visit by
PM Gusmao to Washington as a way to deepen cooperation. END
SUMMARY.
2. (SBU) SECURITY: Responding to A/S Campbell's question on
U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia, Da Costa praised the U.S.
role in enhancing regional security. To maximize security
investments in the region, Da Costa suggested future
trilateral security cooperation with Indonesia, such as
through future Coast Guard exercises. On Burma, Da Costa
welcomed the new U.S. approach of sustained and serious
dialogue. Da Costa expressed appreciation for Asia-Pacific
Center for Security Studies programs that have helped the
Timorese develop a national security strategy.
3. (U) EDUCATION: Timor-Leste also looked to the United
States for educational ties--to shape attitudes and spur
economic development, Da Costa said. A/S Campbell concurred,
saying the two governments needed to increase civilian
cooperation. Da Costa expressed thanks for the Embassy's
efforts to support increased English language training to
Dili.
4. (SBU) TIMOR-LESTE REGIONAL ROLE: Ten years since
independence, Da Costa said Timor-Leste is still exploring
its role in the wider region. His recent trip to Hanoi was
part of this exploration. On ASEAN integration, A/S Campbell
urged Da Costa not to wait too long before pursuing full
integration.
5. (SBU) VIP VISIT: A/S Campbell expressed support for the
planned visit by PM Gusmao to Washington as a way to deepen
cooperation. A/S Campbell promised a visit to Timor-Leste in
2010 that could include focusing on USAID and PACOM programs.
CLINTON