HANOI, 10 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste and Vietnam signed a cooperation agreement on higher education, scientific research, and human resource development on Tuesday, marking a new step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The agreement was signed in Hanoi by Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, who also serves as Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, acting in his capacity as Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture.
The signing ceremony took place during Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s official visit to Vietnam and formed part of a broader package of four cooperation instruments concluded between the two countries to expand collaboration across key sectors and create new opportunities for development.
Under the agreement, the two countries will enhance collaboration between higher education institutions and research centres through the promotion of academic exchanges, joint training programmes, student and academic mobility, the development of research projects, and the expansion of scholarship opportunities.
The initiative represents a significant step towards strengthening Timor-Leste’s higher education sector, enabling national students and researchers to benefit from Vietnam’s experience in developing qualified human resources and advancing scientific knowledge.
Throughout the visit, the Timorese Government reaffirmed its interest in deepening cooperation with Vietnam, recognising the country’s economic and institutional development achievements as an important reference for Timor-Leste.
The signing of the agreement by Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino highlights the Government’s commitment to the development of national human capital, which is regarded as one of the fundamental pillars of economic diversification, innovation and sustainable growth in Timor-Leste.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s official visit to Vietnam took place from 7 to 10 June and also included Timor-Leste’s participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional integration and to strengthening relations with its partners across Southeast Asia.
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editór: Filomeno Martins
