DILI 22 december 2025 (TATOLI) — On the sidelines of the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, held a meeting with Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
The meeting marked the first official engagement between Minister Bendito and the ASEAN Secretary-General since Timor-Leste became a full member of ASEAN.
During the meeting, Minister Bendito expressed Timor-Leste’s sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General and the ASEAN Secretariat for their continued and steadfast support throughout the accession process.
He also briefed Dr. Kao Kim Hourn on key progress in the post-accession phase, including strengthened whole-of-government coordination to ensure the effective implementation of ASEAN-related commitments and priorities.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to Timor-Leste’s active and meaningful participation in ASEAN.
The discussion underscored the importance of sustained engagement and capacity development to enable Timor-Leste to contribute constructively to ASEAN Community-building and broader regional cooperation.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
