DILI, 14 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Affairs, Kristin Tilley concluded her three-day visit to Timor-Leste aimed at strengthening ties and exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation in the area of climate change.
During her three-day visit, Ambassador Tilley met with President Jose Ramos Horta, government officials, community leaders, key stakeholders, and environmentalists to discuss opportunities to work together to address climate change.
On Tuesday, 13 May, Kristin Tilley met with the Head of State to discuss climate change, emphasizing that a small country like Timor-Leste, despite its low emissions, can still make a significant contribution to combating the impacts of climate change.
Following the meeting, Tilley told reporters that Australia is stepping up its climate efforts both domestically and internationally, acknowledging the severe challenges climate change poses for a country like Timor-Leste.
Therefore, she said that the Australian Government is committed to supporting the Government of Timor-Leste at the community level to increase knowledge about climate change and environmental conservation to mitigate climate change in Timor-Leste.
Tilley said that to support regional climate resilience, Australia is boosting climate finance to help Timor-Leste and other countries in the region, where climate change poses significant challenges to local communities and national economies.
“Australia is proud to be a key development partner for Timor-Leste. We share a mutual commitment to building a thriving and prosperous Timor-Leste, including on how we work together to address climate change,” Tilley said. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet people who are part of the tangible efforts our countries are making to bolster climate change resilience, including through our investments in water security, agricultural productivity, community preparedness, and infrastructure.”
Ambassador Tilley said Australia and Timor-Leste are standing together as close neighbors and partners in addressing the climate crisis.
on Monday, 12 May 2025, Ambassador Tilley also met with Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, in Dili, where she reiterated Australia’s commitment to working with the Government of Timor-Leste on climate change—both nationally and globally. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste for Climate Change Affairs, Adão Barbosa, the Director-General for Multilateral Affairs, the Director-General for Asia and Oceania, the Chief of Staff and others.
During her three-day stay in the country, Tilley visited Liquica and Ermera municipalities to see conservation and community resilience projects related to climate change, as well as other development programs supported by Australia.
TATOLI
