"Due to our friendship with Portugal, but also due to our historical ties, language ties and our common interests, I would like to see a greater economic dimension in the relations between Timor-Leste - CPLP [Community of Portuguese Language Countries] and Timor-Leste -- Portugal", said Ramos-Horta in a press statement at the end of a meeting with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro. José Ramos-Horta stressed that Timor-Leste became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year and predicted that, in 2025, it will become the 11th full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "And since we do not have productive industrial capacity, Timor-Leste could be a great trading centre like Dubai is, and like Singapore is. And we can achieve this with a great commitment or interest from Portugal and I count on your Government to achieve this ambition together", he stressed, addressing Luís Montenegro. In the statement, without the right to questions, Ramos-Horta stressed that he could not miss the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of 25th April and paid tribute "to all those who, over decades, fought, suffered, died for the transformations that occurred on 25th April 1974". "The Portugal of that time and the Portugal of today: a huge difference. And the former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Timor-Leste contributed to these transformations through our respective situations of struggle", he stressed. Ramos-Horta concluded the statement by wishing Luís Montenegro and his Government "every success so that Portugal continues to be a prosperous country in Europe and in the world". See Also: Montenegro wants to deepen cooperation and take advantage of Timor's "location" (Portuguese version)