DILI, 22 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, today welcomed a delegation from China, alongside the owner of Aero Dili, Lourenço Oliver, to discuss the expansion of direct air links between Timor-Leste and China.
The meeting served as a significant follow-up to the President’s successful diplomatic engagement with Chinese leadership last year, which was instrumental in establishing the inaugural Dili-Xiamen route. The Presidency views this direct air corridor as a strategic initiative to strengthen bilateral relations, foster people-to-people connections, and open new avenues for economic cooperation.
The discussion highlighted the tangible success of the existing air service, which has consistently operated with a high volume of passengers, contributing directly to Timor-Leste’s tourism sector. Building on this momentum, plans were discussed to increase flight frequency and launch a new route to Fuzhou. President Horta emphasized that reliable and expanded air travel is crucial for attracting investment, simplifying business travel, and making Timor-Leste a more accessible destination for international visitors, aligning with the nation’s goals for economic diversification.
This initiative is a key component of the President’s broader vision to enhance Timor-Leste’s global and regional connectivity. With new routes to Australia also scheduled to commence in December and the nation’s imminent official entry into ASEAN, the strengthening of air links with key partners like China is foundational. The Presidency remains committed to pursuing strategic partnerships that unlock economic potential and create lasting prosperity for the people of Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
