Minister Bendito of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation dos Santos Freitas chaired the first Executive Committee meeting to review national readiness and set priorities for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

The Government of Timor-Leste strengthened preparations for the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029 during the inaugural meeting of the Executive Committee of the ASEAN Chair National Organising Committee (ACNOC) in Dili on 16 July.

The meeting wss joined by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Public Works, Minister of Transport and Communications, Vice Minister of Finance, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Vice Minister for Infrastructure, Secretary of State for Social Communication, and representatives from other ministries and institutions.

The Executive Committee reviewed priorities from five strategic sectors: human resources, infrastructure, security, communications and diplomacy, and finance and strategic coordination. Discussions also focused on cross-sectoral challenges, priority actions for 2026 and preparations for the upcoming High-Level ACNOC Meeting chaired by H.E. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

In his opening remarks, Minister Bendito described the ASEAN Chairmanship as the largest diplomatic and organisational undertaking in Timor-Leste’s history, stressing that its success would require strong coordination across government institutions and a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach.

Source: Government of Timor-Leste, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste

The consultation introduced the ILO’s new regional labour migration programme and gathered private-sector input to support its implementation in Timor-Leste.

The Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL) had a consultation session with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Dili on 9 June to discuss the launch of the TRIANGLE Partnerships for Fair and Effective Labour Migration in ASEAN programme. The five-year initiative, which will run from 2026 to 2031, aims to promote safe, fair and effective labour migration in several ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste. The programme is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

CCI-TL was represented by Vice President for ASEAN and WTO Affairs Sidonio Freitas, Vice President for Planning and Investment Hernani, and Executive Director Domingos Natividade. The ILO delegation included Ms Anna Engblom, Chief Technical Advisor for TRIANGLE Partnerships, and Ms Lita Octavia, ILO Programme Officer for Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

During the consultation, ILO said labour migration had become an important contributor to employment and economic development in Timor-Leste. The discussion covered topics such as fair recruitment, legal migration pathways, skills mobility, social protection, labour protection, and the reintegration of migrant workers returning home. Additionally, CCI-TL provided recommendations on priorities for cooperation with the private sector.

The consultation will contribute to the preparation of Timor-Leste’s National Work Plan for 2026 to 2027. CCI-TL also reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the ILO and other partners to strengthen the country’s labour environment and workforce development.

Source: Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL)

Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas joined the opening ceremony and plenary session as Timor-Leste reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN Community building.

Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, attended the opening ceremony and Plenary Session of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Pasay City, Philippines, on 21 July. He was accompanied by Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel as Timor-Leste joined ASEAN foreign ministers and senior officials at the start of the ministerial meetings held under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.

The opening ceremony officially commenced the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and its related meetings under the chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.” During the plenary session at the Philippine International Convention Center, Minister Bendito joined discussions on ASEAN Community building, the implementation of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), ASEAN’s external relations and dialogue partnerships, and preparations for the Post Ministerial Conferences, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Minister Bendito reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to contributing to ASEAN Community building and to working closely with ASEAN Member States in strengthening ASEAN unity, centrality, resilience and regional integration. He also reaffirmed the country’s support for implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and promoting peace, stability, sustainable development and a rules based regional order through regional cooperation and dialogue.

The ministers also considered the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Annual Report and discussed the adoption of the Joint Communiqué and other key outcome documents. The ministerial meetings take place from 21 to 24 July and provided Timor-Leste with another opportunity to engage with ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners on regional priorities.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, TATOLI

The Singapore-based company will support the planning and development of offshore pipeline infrastructure for the Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan energy projects.

Fugro Singapore Marine Pte Ltd has been awarded a contract by Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to undertake an offshore survey programme for the Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan developments. Signed in Dili on 17 July, the project will provide critical Geo-data to support the planning, engineering and safe development of offshore pipeline infrastructure.

The survey programme will include geophysical, seismic, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and environmental surveys across offshore areas with water depths exceeding 3,000 metres. The data collected will support pipeline routing, engineering design, geohazard assessment and offshore operations, with processing and quality control carried out through Fugro’s regional data centres in Kuala Lumpur and Perth.

Regional Business Line Director, Marine Site Characterisation Asia Pacific at Fugro, Safri Drahman, said the award demonstrated the client’s confidence in the company’s technical capabilities. He added that Fugro would combine advanced geophysical, seismic and AUV technologies with its regional expertise to deliver the Geo-data required for the safe and successful development of the strategically important energy infrastructure.

Safri also announced that preparations for the project would begin immediately, with the company’s flagship survey vessel, Fugro Equator, expected to arrive in Timor-Leste around October or November 2026. Offshore survey operations are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026 and are expected to continue for approximately three months.

Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Francisco da Costa Monteiro said the survey findings would be analysed by Timor-Leste’s technical team before being shared with Woodside under the Timor LNG Corporation Agreement (TLCA) to support the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) stage. He added that the Government remained committed to its target of achieving first LNG production from the Greater Sunrise project in 2032 while discussions with Woodside and the Australian Government continued.

Source: TATOLI, Fugro

A six-member delegation from Timor-Leste earned one gold, three silver and two bronze medals, along with five excellence awards, at the regional science competition in the Philippines.

A team of six students from Timor-Leste won one gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT-JSO11), held in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines, from 6 to 10 July.

The Timorese delegation also received five excellence awards recognising achievements in scientific innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and climate action during the international competition, which was attended by students, teachers, and education representatives from ASEAN member states, China, Japan, and South Korea.

According to the Ministry of Education of Timor-Leste, the country’s participation reflected its commitment to improving the quality of education by promoting critical thinking, scientific research and innovation, while preparing students to compete in international settings.

The Ministry of Education said the awards recognised the dedication of the students, teachers and schools involved in preparing the national delegation. It also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening science education, innovation and youth development to support Timor-Leste’s sustainable development and expand the country’s participation in international scientific competitions.

Source: Ministry of Education Timor-Leste

Speaking with IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms Nomita Dhar, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Alexandre Tilman, discussed the growing Timor-Leste–Singapore partnership following Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s historic official visit, highlighting cooperation in ASEAN integration, education, healthcare, investment, tourism, and trade.

Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Alexandre Tilman, reaffirmed the strength and growing trajectory of bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Singapore following the historic official visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Timor-Leste. In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms Nomita Dhar, Ambassador Tilman described the visit as “a historic moment in our bilateral relations,” marking the first official visit to Timor-Leste by a sitting Singapore Prime Minister and opening a new chapter in cooperation between the two countries.

The interview took place following Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s inaugural official visit to Timor-Leste. Ambassador Tilman was present as part of the official party that welcomed Prime Minister Wong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan upon their arrival. The discussion reflected on more than two decades of diplomatic engagement since the establishment of formal relations in 2002 and explored opportunities for expanding collaboration across diplomacy, economic development, education, healthcare, ASEAN integration, investment, tourism, and trade.

Ambassador Tilman noted that bilateral ties had steadily strengthened through a series of high-level exchanges in recent years. These included the official visit of Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to Timor-Leste in 2023, President José Ramos-Horta’s State Visit to Singapore, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s official visit to Singapore in 2025, and most recently, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to Timor-Leste.

According to the Ambassador, the Prime Minister’s visit represented the culmination of more than 25 years of friendship built on shared principles of democracy, peace, respect for international law, open trade, and multilateral cooperation.

“This visit by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is the culmination of over 25 years of relationship,” Ambassador Tilman said. “Going forward, we will move into a different type of relationship.”

The Ambassador highlighted Singapore’s longstanding support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession process, both before and after the country’s admission into the regional bloc.

He explained that more than 1,300 Timorese public officials had received professional training under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, while Singapore’s Enhanced Singapore–Timor-Leste ASEAN Support (STAR) Package continued to strengthen the country’s institutional readiness for ASEAN membership.

The programme includes leadership development, technical training, scholarships, and specialised preparation for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

“Singapore continues its support with what they call the Enhanced STAR Package. It is support specifically aimed towards our ASEAN membership,” he said.

The Ambassador also welcomed Singapore’s recent decision to include Timor-Leste as a source country for foreign workers, describing it as another milestone that would strengthen people-to-people connectivity and broaden economic opportunities for Timorese citizens.

Ambassador Tilman identified education and healthcare as central pillars of Timor-Leste’s national development agenda.

He noted that since independence, the country had expanded its healthcare workforce from approximately a dozen doctors to more than 1,500 through international cooperation, particularly with Cuba. Timor-Leste now has two medical schools alongside engineering, agriculture, and civil engineering faculties.

While significant progress had been achieved, he said continued academic partnerships would be essential to strengthen specialist training, scientific research, and institutional capacity.

“Health and education continue to be one of our main priorities. We continue to invest in them,” he said.

The Ambassador further revealed that discussions were underway between Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Health and Singapore’s National University Health System (NUHS) to establish closer institutional collaboration. He said Singapore’s expertise in tropical medicine and infectious disease research could contribute to Timor-Leste’s efforts to address challenges such as tuberculosis and dengue fever.

Turning to economic cooperation, Ambassador Tilman said Singapore had become one of Timor-Leste’s most visible investment partners.

Among the flagship projects is the Timor Marina Square development in Dili, alongside Singaporean investments in agriculture, fisheries, insurance, financial services, hospitality, and gaming-related industries.

He explained that Timor-Leste continued to promote foreign direct investment through business-friendly policies, allowing limited liability companies for low-risk investments to be established in as little as three days.

For investments exceeding US$500,000, investors may qualify for special investment agreements that provide incentives including tax concessions, tax holidays, and access to land depending on the project’s strategic importance.

The Ambassador identified tourism, agriculture and fisheries, infrastructure, and oil and gas as priority sectors for investment.

Discussing tourism, Ambassador Tilman described Timor-Leste as a destination that remained largely untouched by mass tourism, with pristine beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and strong community hospitality.

He noted that while tourism infrastructure remained at an early stage of development, the country’s natural environment offered considerable potential for sustainable tourism.

The Ambassador added that Timorese hospitality remained one of the country’s greatest assets, with visitors welcomed by local communities across the country.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters.

On trade, he acknowledged that Timor-Leste currently imports the majority of its goods while coffee remains its principal non-oil export. He said there was growing interest in expanding exports of agricultural products, ornamental fish, and other locally produced goods to Singapore and international markets.

He also noted that two distributors currently import Timor-Leste coffee into Singapore, while ornamental fish exports represented another emerging area of bilateral trade.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit, Ambassador Tilman said the enthusiastic public reception demonstrated the longstanding friendship between the peoples of Timor-Leste and Singapore.

He noted that the relationship extended beyond official diplomacy, recalling longstanding historical links between the two countries and Singapore’s role as a longstanding trading partner for generations of Timorese families.

“Our friendship with Singapore is genuine,” he said. “It is a friendship because our relationship with Singapore goes back generations.”

Looking ahead, Ambassador Tilman expressed confidence that the momentum generated by the Prime Minister’s visit would translate into deeper cooperation across diplomacy, education, healthcare, investment, tourism, trade, and regional affairs. He also welcomed continued engagement between governments, businesses, academic institutions, and communities as both countries worked to strengthen their comprehensive bilateral partnership and advance regional cooperation within ASEAN.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters.

Singapore Prime Minister receives Timor-Leste’s highest state honour during official visit, reaffirming enduring bilateral partnership.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong received the Order of Timor-Leste (Grand Collar) from President José Ramos-Horta during a conferment ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili on 3 July 2026. The honour was presented during Prime Minister Wong’s Official Visit to Timor-Leste from 2 to 3 July 2026 and recognised Singapore’s longstanding partnership and contributions to Timor-Leste’s nation-building journey.

The conferment ceremony formed part of Prime Minister Wong’s official programme in Timor-Leste, underscoring the close and growing relationship between the two countries. The visit reflected the shared commitment of Singapore and Timor-Leste to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding collaboration as Timor-Leste prepares to become a full member of ASEAN.

In his acceptance remarks, Prime Minister Wong expressed his deepest appreciation for the Order of Timor-Leste, describing it as a great honour accepted with humility and gratitude. He said the award belonged not only to him but also to Singapore and the many Singaporeans who have contributed to the friendship between the two nations through technical cooperation, professional training, capability-building initiatives and people-to-people exchanges.

Prime Minister Wong highlighted Singapore’s longstanding support for Timor-Leste’s development, noting that more than 1,300 Timorese officials have participated in Singapore’s training programmes over the years. He reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste as it embarks on a new chapter as a full member of ASEAN, including through continued capacity-building and institutional cooperation.

Reflecting on the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Wong said the partnership had been built on mutual respect and mutual learning. He noted that Singapore had also drawn valuable lessons from Timor-Leste’s development journey, describing the country’s resilience, determination and strength of conviction as an inspiration to the region. He added that Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN represents an important milestone for both the country and the regional grouping, creating new opportunities for closer cooperation.

Source: Singapore MFA

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to Timor-Leste reinforced bilateral cooperation through new agreements, expanded economic opportunities, and continued support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong concluded his Official Visit to Timor-Leste from 2 to 3 July 2026, during which both countries reaffirmed their longstanding bilateral relationship and agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit resulted in the signing of a new bilateral consultation framework, additional ASEAN capacity-building support, and new measures to enhance economic collaboration.

The visit formed part of Singapore’s ongoing engagement with Timor-Leste and reciprocated Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s Official Visit to Singapore in July 2025. During the visit, Prime Minister Wong received a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace, called on President Dr José Ramos-Horta, and held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Gusmão. He was conferred the Order of Timor-Leste (Grand Collar) by President Ramos-Horta in recognition of his contributions to advancing bilateral relations and Singapore’s support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership.

Source: Facebook/Vivian Balakrishnan

During their meeting, Prime Minister Wong and Prime Minister Gusmão reaffirmed the warm and longstanding ties between Singapore and Timor-Leste. They agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, development assistance, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to international law and a rules-based multilateral system, recognising its importance for small states.

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, both Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations, creating a formal platform to advance dialogue and cooperation between the two governments. Prime Minister Wong also announced additional ASEAN-related capacity-building programmes to further support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.

In support of expanding economic cooperation, Prime Minister Wong announced that Timor-Leste would be designated as an approved Non-Traditional Source country for Work Permit holders from the second half of 2027. The designation will allow Singapore companies to employ Timorese workers in the Construction, Marine Shipyard, Process, selected Manufacturing, and Services sectors, contributing to greater workforce mobility and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Source: MFA Singapore

Singapore and Timor-Leste advanced bilateral cooperation through high-level engagements, the signing of a new cooperation framework, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional partnership and people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong made an Official Visit to Timor-Leste from 2 to 3 July 2026, marking his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first official visit by a Singapore Prime Minister to Timor-Leste. The visit reciprocated Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s Official Visit to Singapore in July 2025 and underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The visit featured a series of official engagements in Dili aimed at enhancing diplomatic cooperation and expanding bilateral partnerships. Prime Minister Wong was accompanied by Mrs Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong served as Acting Prime Minister.

As part of the visit, Prime Minister Wong met members of the Singaporean community in Dili. He acknowledged the contributions of Singaporeans living and working in Timor-Leste, noting that although the community remained relatively small, it had built strong friendships and lasting ties with the local population over the years.

On 3 July 2026, Prime Minister Wong will participate in an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace and call on Timor-Leste President Dr José Ramos-Horta. During the visit, Prime Minister Wong will be conferred the Order of Timor-Leste (Grand Collar) by President Ramos-Horta. The award recognises Singapore’s contributions to Timor-Leste’s national development and support for Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN.  

Prime Minister Wong will meet Timor-Leste Prime Minister Gusmão and witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations. Both Prime Ministers will hold a Joint Press Conference on the same day. Prime Minister Gusmão will also host a State Banquet Lunch for Prime Minister Wong.

Source: MFA Singapore

At a distinguished RSIS public lecture, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão reflects on Timor-Leste’s journey and outlines aspirations for deeper integration into ASEAN amid global challenges.

By Nomita Dhar

SINGAPORE, 15 July 2025 — His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, delivered a keynote address at the RSIS Distinguished Public Lecture titled “Timor-Leste and ASEAN: A New Chapter in the Region’s Story”. The event was hosted by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and held at the Pan Pacific Singapore.

Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS and Chair of the session, welcomed the Prime Minister back to Singapore, recalling his earlier lecture in 2013. “We are deeply honoured to welcome Prime Minister Gusmão again. His leadership remains pivotal to Timor-Leste’s independent journey and ongoing development,” said Ambassador Ong.

In his address, Prime Minister Gusmão offered a wide-ranging reflection on Timor-Leste’s history, its aspirations as a small and developing nation, and its growing role in regional and global diplomacy. From the legacy of colonialism and the struggle for independence to state-building and peace consolidation, he highlighted both the progress achieved and the challenges ahead. “Our journey has not been easy — from occupation to independence, and now to integration and development. We must prepare our people not just to survive in this changing world, but to contribute meaningfully to it,” said PM Gusmão.

Touching on geopolitical shifts, climate concerns, artificial intelligence, and the erosion of international legal norms, Gusmão noted that global uncertainty requires strengthened multilateralism and renewed commitment to cooperation. He reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s belief in ASEAN as a force for regional stability and inclusivity. “ASEAN is not just an institution—it embodies a culture of consensus, cooperation, and mutual respect. As a small state, Timor-Leste sees value in this model and is committed to contributing to it meaningfully,” the Prime Minister stated.

PM Gusmão also acknowledged Singapore’s developmental trajectory as a source of inspiration. “Singapore is an example of resilience and long-term strategic leadership. While we differ in circumstances, we share the same need to be adaptable, forward-looking, and united,” he remarked.

The lecture was followed by a moderated dialogue, where Prime Minister Gusmão addressed questions from students and policy experts. One key theme was human capital development. In response to a question by Ambassador Ong about the main obstacle to Timor-Leste’s economic transformation, Gusmão emphasised the importance of education and institutional capacity.

“The number one challenge we face is human resource development. Without a clear vision and a capable population, progress will be limited. We are investing in education at all levels—primary to university—to equip our people for the future,” he said.

Another question focused on the free movement of people within ASEAN. Gusmão and his team explained that Timor-Leste was in the final stages of negotiating ASEAN agreements related to trade in goods and services, investment, and the movement of natural persons. These commitments, aligned with the country’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aim to ensure that Timor-Leste enters ASEAN as a well-prepared and fully contributing member.

Education and institutional reform remained dominant themes throughout the discussion. Gusmão highlighted the country’s progress in building state capacity over the past two decades, while also acknowledging the long road ahead. “State-building is not just about establishing structures; it’s about ensuring that those structures are populated with people of integrity and capability. We are still developing, but we are committed to doing so with purpose,” he said.

The RSIS Distinguished Public Lecture provided a timely platform for regional stakeholders to engage with Timor-Leste’s leadership on its vision for the future. As ASEAN contemplates its next phase of development amid a shifting global landscape, the potential accession of Timor-Leste carries both symbolic and strategic significance.

In closing, Gusmão noted that despite ongoing global instability, regional institutions like ASEAN—and academic platforms like RSIS—play an increasingly vital role in shaping a cooperative, rules-based order. “We are not merely seeking membership; we are seeking to contribute,” he concluded.