DILI, 17 June 2025 (TATOLI) – Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Tiffany McDonald, is currently in Timor-Leste for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and reaffirming Australia’s long-term support for Timor-Leste’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
On Monday, Ambassador McDonald was received by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, at the Presidential Palace in Dili.
The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between the two countries, especially Australia’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s full membership process in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
During the meeting, President Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s strong commitment to fulfilling all necessary requirements to join ASEAN, and expressed his deep appreciation for Australia’s consistent and diversified support.
Both leaders addressed key areas of cooperation, strategies to overcome existing challenges, and the shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, with Timor-Leste as an active member of ASEAN.
The Head of State emphasized Australia’s role as a fundamental and long-standing ally, particularly highlighting assistance programs that have contributed to strengthening Timor-Leste’s institutional capacities in the context of regional integration.
Both parties expressed optimism regarding Timor-Leste’s future membership, considering that this will represent a significant benefit both for the country and for the ASEAN community, contributing to even more robust regional integration and cooperation.
On 17 June, Ambassador McDonald met with the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, at MoFAC. During the meeting, Australia emphasized the strong partnership between Timor-Leste and Australia and reaffirmed its continued support for Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.
Vice Minister Milena expressed appreciation for the technical assistance provided by the Australian Government in supporting Timor-Leste’s efforts toward ASEAN accession.
Ambassador McDonald’s visit included meetings with senior government officials and institutional partners, including the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho, and the Director General for ASEAN Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), Elisa da Silva. Discussions focused on the English Language Training for ASEAN Accession (ELTAA) program. The meeting included a formal handover of English learning materials, reinforcing Australia’s ongoing support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey.
Ambassador McDonald said her visit will be an opportunity to discuss our enduring partnership and shared priorities in support of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
Australia has been supporting Timor-Leste to meet its requirements for ASEAN accession through an $11.8 million assistance package that has included:
- English language training to build Timor-Leste’s institutional capability to engage with ASEAN mechanisms.
- Advisory support and capacity building initiatives for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC).
- Capability uplift to support the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) to fulfill ASEAN security obligations.
- A private sector development program to strengthen trade and investment from Australia and the ASEAN region.
- A partnership with Standards Australia to strengthen national standardisation systems.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics support for Timor-Leste to meet the economic statistical requirements for ASEAN membership.
- ASEAN Secretariat training to Timor-Leste officials on ASEAN Accession process.
Australia’s flagship initiative delivering on the ASEAN – Australia Comprehensive Strategic partnership, Aus4ASEAN Futures, is also supporting Timor-Leste officials in all activities, workshops and events.
Ambassador McDonald said “Timor-Leste is an important voice in our shared region and in multilateral forums, including ASEAN. Australia is proud to have been a longstanding supporter of Timor-Leste’s ambitions for full ASEAN membership.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
