DILI, 09 June 2025 (TATOLI) – In a formal ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, today, President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate José Ramos-Horta officially swore in Marcos dos Reis da Costa as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Timor-Leste to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
This appointment is seen as a significant step forward in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations, building on recent high-level engagements and expanding regional cooperation.
Ambassador da Costa brings over 20 years of experience in diplomacy and foreign affairs. A key figure in the establishment of Timor-Leste’s foreign service, he was one of the first 50 young diplomats recruited in 2000, two years before the country’s restoration of independence. He officially joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in 2002.
Currently serving as Director General for Bilateral Affairs for Asia and Oceania since August 2023, Costa has held a number of important diplomatic postings abroad. His assignments have included Second Secretary in Malaysia, First Secretary at the United Nations Office in Geneva, and Counsellor at the Embassy in Jakarta. He holds an Executive Master in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy.
Costa’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for Timor-Leste–Cambodia relations. It follows the official visit of Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, the establishment of Cambodia’s embassy in Dili, and the presentation of credentials by Cambodian Ambassador Chun Sovannarith. These developments signal a deepening bilateral relationship and enhanced cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations.
As ambassador, Costa is expected to play a key role in promoting trade, political dialogue, cultural exchange, and development cooperation, reinforcing Timor-Leste’s diplomatic footprint in Southeast Asia.
This new chapter in bilateral relations underscores both countries’ shared commitment to peace, development, and regional solidarity.
“Timor-Leste and Cambodia share striking historical parallels,” said Horta. “Both our nations have endured years of extreme violence and hardship, and both have overcome tremendous adversity to build peaceful, democratic societies. This common history creates a unique foundation for understanding and solidarity between our peoples. I am confident that Ambassador da Costa’s appointment will further elevate and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”
Costa’s appointment represents a significant advancement in diplomatic relations between the two nations and reflects their shared commitment to regional cooperation and development within the ASEAN framework.
Costa affirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Cambodia: “Moving forward, I will continue to build on the strong cooperation established between our two countries,” he said. “I also aim to explore new areas of collaboration, particularly following up on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between our telecommunications ministers to advance digitalization.”
Ambassador Costa added that future cooperation would also focus on the trade and education sectors.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomemo Martins
