A/S CAMPBELL,S SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 CONVERSATION

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