DILI, 02 June 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Angola have agreed to review and update their defense cooperation framework as both countries seek to adapt to evolving global and geopolitical conditions.
The discussion took place on Monday during a bilateral meeting in Dili between Timor-Leste’s Defense Minister Donaciano do Rosário Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik” and Angola’s Defense Minister João Ernesto dos Santos.
The meeting took place shortly after Minister Ernesto arrived in Dili to attend the Meeting of Defense Ministers of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of revising existing defense cooperation arrangements to better reflect current strategic priorities and improve implementation mechanisms.
Minister Ernesto said the existing framework needed to be updated in light of changing global dynamics.
“We discussed the review of the defense cooperation agreement between our two countries. Given the dynamics of geopolitics, we need to ensure that we move forward together in order to leave no one behind,” he said.
Timor-Leste’s Defense Minister reaffirmed Dili’s commitment to deepening defense ties with Luanda, highlighting the historical relationship between the two countries.
He noted that Angola had supported Timor-Leste during its struggle for independence, particularly in the development of the country’s defense sector.
“Angola is a brother country of Timor-Leste in our struggle for independence. Angola has always supported Timor-Leste during the independence period, especially in supporting the development of our defense sector,” he said.
He added that both sides are now working toward strengthening institutional cooperation through an updated bilateral framework.
According to the minister, discussions are ongoing to formalize a revised agreement aimed at enhancing long-term defense collaboration between the two countries.
Both sides expressed confidence that a renewed cooperation framework would further strengthen institutional ties and support joint defense priorities in the years ahead.
Journalist: Natalino Costa
Editor: Julia Chatarina
Translation: Filomeno Martins
