Timor-Leste and UAE discuss trade, investment and digital cooperation
DÍLI, 31 August 2026 (TATOLI) — United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Noura Bint Mohamed Al Kaabi has visited Timor-Leste for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, digitalisation and human resources.
Al Kaabi made her official visit from August 31 to September 1, meeting President José Ramos-Horta and several members of the Timor-Leste Government.
During talks with Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, accompanied by Vice-Ministers Jesuína Gomes and Milena Rangel, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen diplomatic ties and broaden cooperation in trade and investment, health, human resources development, institutional capacity-building and digital transformation.
The discussions also focused on Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN and its preparations to chair the regional bloc in 2029.
The UAE expressed its readiness to provide technical assistance and share relevant experience to support Timor-Leste’s preparations for the ASEAN chairmanship.
Al Kaabi also met Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the economy, investment, tourism and hospitality, digital transformation and human resources development.
Kalbuadi Lay said Timor-Leste was continuing preparations to take on a major responsibility within ASEAN in 2029.
He said the two offices would establish a joint team to identify priority areas for cooperation, including human resources, hospitality, infrastructure, hotel development and the digital economy.
The two sides also explored potential cooperation in the digitalisation of public services, water management, food security, renewable energy and technical assistance.
Al Kaabi separately met Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso to discuss attracting investment and supporting economic diversification.
The two sides agreed to continue negotiations towards economic agreements designed to facilitate trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between Timor-Leste and the UAE.
At the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, Al Kaabi was received by President Ramos-Horta for talks on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas including digital transformation, water management and food security.
The UAE also expressed its intention to establish diplomatic representation in Dili.
During the visit, Al Kaabi and Ramos-Horta also visited the site of a university student residential complex supported by the UAE.
They attended a presentation on the project and took part in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.
The complex, covered by a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2026, is expected to accommodate about 300 female university students in Dili.
A reception was also held during the visit, attended by Ramos-Horta, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other guests.
Timor-Leste and the UAE established diplomatic relations on November 13, 2009.
Al Kaabi’s visit marked the first high-level visit by a UAE official to Timor-Leste and underscored both countries’ efforts to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
TATOLI
