ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General visits Timor-Leste to support preparations for 2029 Chairmanship

DILI, 30 July 2026 (TATOLI) – ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s preparations to assume the bloc’s rotating chairmanship in 2029.

The commitment was conveyed during a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC) in Dili.

Astanah is visiting Timor-Leste at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to support national institutions in implementing the ASEAN Political-Security Community Strategic Plan for the next decade.

“We were invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with support from JICA, to work with Timor-Leste on ASEAN’s political and security agenda,” Astanah told reporters.

She said the mission involves cooperation with several government ministries and national institutions, including the ministries responsible for foreign affairs, defence, justice, interior and the national police.

“Our objective is to help Timor-Leste implement the commitments set out in the ASEAN Political-Security Community Strategic Plan,” she said.

As part of the visit, ASEAN officials are holding a three-day workshop on the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan with representatives from relevant ministries and institutions to discuss how regional ASEAN commitments can be integrated into Timor-Leste’s national priorities.

“Timor-Leste is working to translate ASEAN commitments into national commitments. We are having very productive discussions on how to align these two levels,” Astanah said.

Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel said the ASEAN Secretariat’s support would be crucial in helping Timor-Leste prepare well in advance of its 2029 ASEAN chairmanship.

“We want to begin this coordination now to maximize Timor-Leste’s preparations before assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029,” Rangel said.

She added that the ASEAN Secretariat would continue providing technical assistance across a range of sectors to strengthen national institutions and ensure Timor-Leste is fully prepared to fulfil its responsibilities as ASEAN Chair in 2029.

“This continued support will be vital in helping Timor-Leste effectively carry out its responsibilities as ASEAN Chair in 2029,” she said.

Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins