PM Minister Gusmão holds first official meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Fairuz Rozali
DÍLI, 04 August 2026 (TATOLI) — Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Fairuz Adli bin Mohd Rozali held his first official meeting with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on Tuesday, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Timor-Leste.
The meeting served as the ambassador’s introductory courtesy call following the presentation of his credentials to President José Ramos-Horta last month.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rozali said the discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening engagement between the two governments.
“Malaysian Embassy in Díli is ready to work together with the Prime Minister’s Office and all ministries and public institutions to continue strengthening the ties between Timor-Leste and Malaysia,” he said.
Rozali said he was committed to learning more about Timor-Leste as he begins his diplomatic assignment, enabling him to better promote cooperation between the two countries.
“I will learn more about Timor-Leste so I can effectively carry out my responsibilities and further strengthen cooperation between our two countries,” he said.
Malaysia and Timor-Leste have enjoyed close diplomatic relations since Timor-Leste’s transition to independence. Malaysia was the first country to establish a Liaison Office in Dili on April 13, 2001, and has remained a key development partner through technical assistance, capacity-building programmes and defence cooperation.
The two countries have since broadened their cooperation through agreements covering civil aviation, higher education, telecommunications, information and media development, rural development and defence.
A major milestone in bilateral relations came on October 26, 2025, when Timor-Leste was formally admitted as ASEAN’s 11th member state during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, marking a significant achievement supported by Kuala Lumpur.
Rozali brings more than 20 years of diplomatic experience to his posting in Dili. Since joining Malaysia’s Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 2002, he has held a number of senior positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including roles at the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat, the Coordination and Implementation Department, the OIC and Regional Cooperation Division, and the Multilateral Political Division.
Before his appointment to Timor-Leste, Rozali served as Deputy Director-General of the ASEAN External Relations Division at the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat. His previous overseas assignments included diplomatic postings in Kuwait, the Republic of Korea and the United States.
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
