DILI, 05 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam on Monday signed three memorandums of understanding aimed at establishing bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah at Istana Nurul Iman, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The agreements signed cover strategic areas of cooperation, including: 1) the establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs; 2) energy cooperation; and 3) health cooperation,” said in a statement.
The agreements demonstrate both countries’ commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration, expanding sectoral partnerships and turning political goodwill into tangible outcomes.
These agreements reflect a shared commitment to deepen institutional collaboration, advance sectoral partnerships, and translate strong political goodwill into concrete and tangible outcomes for both countries.
During a bilateral meeting, His Majesty Sultan and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, RTB News reported.
In his titah, His Majesty said that Brunei Darussalam has consistently supported the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste’s bid to join Association of Southeast Asian Nations and would continue to extend the best possible assistance, according to RTB News.
Minister Bendito underscored that this engagement demonstrates Timor-Leste’s proactive and strategic foreign policy approach—leveraging high-level diplomacy to expand economic opportunities, strengthen national capacity, and position Timor-Leste as an active and constructive partner within ASEAN and beyond.
The visit reaffirms the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared vision between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Officials attending the signing ceremony included Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing Mariano Assanami Sabino; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas; Minister of Health Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral; and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Francisco da Costa Monteiro.
Also present were Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Dias Ximenes, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Brunei Abel Guterres, and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister’s Office Elizabeth Exposto.
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