DILI, 30 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Brunei Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan, has ended his posting in Timor-Leste and paid a farewell visit to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili.
During the meeting, Ambassador Lutfan reflected on the progress made during his tenure, emphasizing the deepening of bilateral relations marked by high-level exchanges between Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta.
He took the opportunity to congratulate Timor-Leste on its expected accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), set to be formalized during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prime Minister Gusmão expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Lutfan was recently honored with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the nation’s highest award. The decoration was presented by the Head of State on May 28, in recognition of his exceptional diplomatic service since presenting his credentials on July 15, 2022.
Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam have achieved unprecedented progress through reciprocal state visits between His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and President Ramos-Horta, strategic ministerial exchanges, and the signing of crucial agreements covering air services, worker recruitment, and visa exemptions.
Notable achievements during his tenure include enhanced cooperation in higher education through SEAMEO VOCTECH’s TVET policy revision project, healthcare collaboration resulting in provisional accreditation for Dili Medical Center, expanded private sector partnerships led by companies such as Daikyo Industrial Gas, and Timor-Leste’s inaugural participation in the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
