DILI, Jully 16th, 2026 (TATOLI) — The Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste has officially inaugurated its office in the capital city of Dili, marking its transition to fully functional, centralised operations just over three months after its initial establishment.
The landmark ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Timor-Leste’s Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay (Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment), Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Maria da Costa Rangel. Also present were representatives of the Office of the President of Timor-Leste, heads of ASEAN missions in Dili, representatives of Telemor (Viettel’s local subsidiary), and members of the Vietnamese community living in Timor-Leste.
Addressing the gathered guests, in accordance with the Việt Nam News report cited by TATOLI today, Vietnamese Chargé d’Affaires Phạm Bình Đàm highlighted the strategic and diplomatic significance of the new facility:
“The inauguration not only meets the embassy’s operational needs but also demonstrates Việt Nam’s long-term commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with Timor-Leste.”
He further emphasized that the embassy will continue to serve as a vital bridge connecting the government agencies, localities, and business sectors of both nations, while actively supporting and accompanying Timor-Leste in its ASEAN integration process.
On behalf of the Host Government, Deputy PM Francisco Kalbuadi Lay congratulated the diplomatic mission and reaffirmed the strong bond between the two Southeast Asian nations:
“The Timor-Leste Government congratulates the Vietnamese Embassy on the inauguration of its office and affirms our country’s high regard for its friendship with Việt Nam. We hope that the embassy will continue to make positive contributions to expanding bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
Future steps and ASEAN collaboration
Alongside the launch of this transitional office, both nations are actively coordinating to finalize the necessary procedures to take over and renovate the former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) building in Dili. Once completed, this historical site will serve as the permanent, state-of-the-art headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy.
Demonstrating its immediate integration into the local diplomatic ecosystem, the Vietnamese Embassy hosted the regular meeting of the heads of ASEAN missions in Dili immediately after the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony.
TATOLI
