DILI, 18 february 2926 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste is stepping up preparations for its future presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with support from Brunei Darussalam, Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas said on wednesdya during an official visit by Brunei’s second foreign minister, Erywan Pehin Yusof.
Erywan Pehin Yusof is in Timor-Leste until 20 february to strengthen ties, expand cooperation in several sectors and deepen regional coordination following Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership last October.
Freitas met his Bruneian counterpart at Praia dos Coqueiros in Dili, where he told reporters the visit aims to strengthen bilateral partnerships, especially in the economy, infrastructure, connectivity and skills development, while also supporting Timor-Leste’s preparations to chair ASEAN.
He said both countries agreed to set up a joint coordination mechanism to track priorities and help implement cooperation programmes between the two governments.
Freitas added that this is the first visit by a minister from an ASEAN member state since Timor-Leste became a full member of the bloc.
Yusof said the talks were important for advancing regional cooperation and strengthening long-standing bilateral relations, and highlighted the need for a permanent dialogue platform between the two countries.
He identified priority areas for cooperation as education, skills development, health and connectivity, and noted Timor-Leste’s potential to expand air connections.
The Bruneian minister also stressed the need to strengthen Timor-Leste’s institutional capacity to host the ASEAN summit in 2029, saying Brunei would work with the country to build the capabilities needed to welcome regional leaders.
TATOLI
