DILI, 10 february 2026 (TATOLI) – A seminar on Capacity Development on ASEAN Practices is being held in Dili, bringing together public officials, diplomats, civil society, and media representatives to strengthen Timor-Leste’s capacity for regional engagement.
Organised by JICA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), with support from the Cambodian Embassy, the seminar is part of the JICA-ASEAN Project.
The seminar focuses on building technical skills, improving institutional coordination, and preparing Timorese officials for effective participation in ASEAN mechanisms and protocols.
In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Yamamoto Yasushi highlighted that the seminar forms part of the JICA-led Project to Strengthen Coordination and Monitoring of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Accession Process.
“I hope this workshop will provide useful insights for all of you, and that you will find opportunities to apply them in your work. Through this process, good practices will gradually emerge. Over time, these practices will become a valuable asset for Timor-Leste,” said the Ambassador.
He said that Japan has long worked closely with Cambodia and Timor-Leste. “This support includes capacity-building initiatives through JICA, JAIF, and other frameworks. Japan remains firmly committed to continuing this cooperation through practical and sustained efforts,” said Yasushi.
CHUN Sovannarith Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste said that the Workshop is more than diplomacy. “It is a practical training platform for officials, diplomats, and future leaders of ASEAN. Your ideas, engagement, and contributions will help shape a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered ASEAN for peace and shared prosperity,” he explained.
“You are not only learning about ASEAN — you are becoming ASEAN. I am confident that you will be well prepared to actively contribute to ASEAN Community-building: a family united in diversity and solidarity; a community of one vision, one identity, and one destiny; resilient, dynamic, people-centered, peaceful, and prosperous,” said the ambassador.
Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel highlighted the significance of initiatives like this workshop, saying they help ensure that Timor-Leste, as a full member, is prepared to organise and participate in meetings while fully understanding ASEAN protocols and practices.
The event was also attended by JICA Project Senior Adviser Yuji Ono and Bann Sokvibol, Deputy Director-General for ASEAN Affairs at Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
