DILI, 22 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Vietnam pledged to support Timor-Leste in strengthening food security, with its top diplomat in Dili offering assistance in both agricultural supply and long-term sector development.
Chargé d’Affaires of Vietnam in Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam made the remarks after a courtesy meeting with President José Ramos-Horta at the Presidential Palace in Dili, today.
“Vietnam is a committed and reliable supplier of agricultural products. We are ready to support Timor-Leste in strengthening its food security,” Pham told reporters. “We are ready to enter into a long-term stable agreement with Timor-Leste for rice supply,” Pham added.
He said Hanoi is also willing to help Timor-Leste develop its agriculture sector to achieve greater self-sufficiency over the long term.
Pham added that Vietnam stands ready to expand cooperation beyond agriculture, including in diplomacy, politics and economic development.
He said that Vietnam is prepared to work closely with Timorese ministries, agencies and institutions to enhance cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for the people of Vietnam and Timor-Leste, adding that the Vietnamese embassy would serve as a platform to coordinate such efforts.
Pham highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, saying Vietnam has supported Timor-Leste’s independence struggle and its ongoing development, as well as its efforts toward regional integration.
On behalf of the Vietnamese government, Pham congratulated Timor-Leste on its accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and pledged continued support for its integration into the grouping and its planned ASEAN chairmanship in 2029.
Timor-Leste and Viet Nam enjoy long-standing and close relations. Drawing on Viet Nam’s experience and expertise, both sides recognized significant potential to expand and deepen cooperation in priority areas including agriculture—particularly food security and self-sufficiency—digital economy, education and human capital development, as well as Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.
It is recalled that during President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta’s state visit to Vietnam in 2024, where he met with his Vietnamese counterpart, To Lam, Vietnam announced its plans to open an embassy in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
