DILI, 19 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, received Erywan Pehin Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs II of Brunei Darussalam, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace today, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two countries following Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN.
The meeting concluded the Minister’s two-day official visit to Dili and served as a high-level platform to reaffirm the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations while consolidating support for Timor-Leste’s ongoing regional integration after its historic attainment of full ASEAN membership in late 2025.
During the discussions, Minister Yusof emphasized that Brunei attaches great importance to Timor-Leste’s active role in the region, describing the country’s full membership as a significant milestone for the bloc. The dialogue focused on strengthening a strategic alliance across key development sectors, including education, human resource capacity building, agriculture, health, and technological connectivity.
This partnership aims to ensure Timor-Leste is well positioned for its future regional responsibilities, most notably its projected ASEAN Presidency in 2029.
Both President Ramos-Horta and Minister Yusof underscored the necessity of a unified and resilient ASEAN in the face of current global geopolitical uncertainties. The Minister praised the hospitality of the Timorese people and government, noting that as a “big family,” member states must continue to progress and develop together. He expressed confidence that Timor-Leste’s full participation continues to bring renewed strength and stability to the regional organization.
TATOLI
