DILI, 01 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ambassador of Brazil to Timor-Leste, Ricardo Lustosa Leal, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Timor-Leste’s plan to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This statement followed his meeting with Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, at the Government Palace on Monday.
“We discussed several aspects of the bilateral relationship between Brazil and Timor-Leste,” Ambassador Leal said.
The meeting focused on Timor-Leste’s integration as a full member of ASEAN. Ambassador Leal emphasized the significance of the regional bloc for Brazil, which currently ranks ASEAN as its third-largest trading partner after China and the United States.
“Through collaboration with Timor-Leste on training and various initiatives, we continually review our cooperation model in response to political developments. Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is one such development, underscoring the importance of this regional grouping for Brazil,” he explained.
Beyond regional matters, Ambassador Leal also highlighted bilateral cooperation in development. Brazil is active in several sectors, including technical and vocational education and Portuguese language development.
“There is a strong and substantial foundation for cooperation, recognized by the Prime Minister, where Brazil and Timor-Leste work together toward development,” he stated.
Ambassador Leal also delivered an invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Timor-Leste’s President, José Ramos-Horta, to attend the Conference of the Parties (COP-30), which will be held in Belém, Brazil, this November. The attendance of Timor-Leste’s leadership has been confirmed, along with details of the country’s representation.
Brazil continues to support Timor-Leste through ongoing cooperation in education – including vocational training and higher education programs –the justice sector, by supporting the National Public Defender’s Office, and agriculture, with plans to establish an agricultural research center. This cooperation, managed by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), aims to foster human resource development, promote South-South cooperation, and support Timor-Leste’s participation in international organizations such as the WTO and ASEAN.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
