DILI, 19 May 2026 (TATOLI) – The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, has arrived in Dili on an official visit to attend celebrations marking the 24th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Timor-Leste.
Kao is visiting at the invitation of Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas.
The trip is his first to the country since Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN last year.
During the visit, Kao is scheduled to hold meetings with President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Foreign Minister Freitas. The discussions are expected to reaffirm ASEAN’s support for Timor-Leste’s efforts toward full and effective integration into the regional bloc.
Kao is also due to attend and deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the International Convention Centre in Dili.
This marks Kao’s second visit to Timor-Leste, following his first trip in 2024 during which he met senior state leaders, including President Ramos-Horta.
TATOLI
