DILI, 20 May 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta held a highly successful and cordial meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two neighboring nations.
Reflecting on 24 years of strong bilateral relations, the leaders acknowledged Australia’s unwavering support for Timor-Leste since its inception. During the dialogue, Deputy PM Marles praised President Ramos-Horta as the embodiment of this historic relationship, emphasizing that both countries share a profound destiny and possess immense opportunities for future cooperation.
A central focus of the high-level talks was maintaining regional peace and enhancing mutual security amidst an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Recognizing the stability shared by ASEAN, Australia, and Timor-Leste, the leaders welcomed the imminent signing of a Defense Cooperation Agreement, following fruitful discussions between the Australian delegation, which included Special Envoy for Defense Luke Gosling, and Minister of Defense Pedro. This upcoming agreement marks a significant step forward in deepening the strategic ties between the two nations.
The dialogue also highlighted crucial socioeconomic and global initiatives, prominently featuring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Both nations pledged to work closely to ensure the highest standards of welfare and security are maintained for Timorese citizens working in Australia.
Furthermore, addressing broader international challenges such as the current situation in the Middle East, President Ramos-Horta and Deputy PM Marles discussed collaborative strategies to safeguard fuel security and maintain resilience across the region.
TATOLI
