Timor-Leste, Australia to discus asylum seekers processing center

Australia's Minister for Immigration Chris Bowen is scheduled to meet Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos Horta later on Tuesday to discuss Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's proposal to set up a asylum seekers processing center in the country, Radio Timor-Leste reported .

Bowen said that involving neighboring countries in the region is an important mechanism to resolve illegal immigration issue and put aside Timor-Leste from the risk regarding prohibition of illegal activities on the Timor Sea.

Bowen added that he will also visit Indonesia and Malaysia to talk about prohibition of illegal immigrants on the sea and asylum seekers processing center in the region.

Timor Post quoted Bowen as saying that the Australian government was committed to build a tight relationship with its neighboring countries, namely Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Bowen added that his visit is an opportunity to discus mutual interest for strengthening cooperation on people smuggling and immigration.

Source: Xinhua