Timor-Leste, Malaysia discuss strengthening cooperation in energy and natural resources
DÍLI, 02 September 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Malaysia have discussed strengthening cooperation in the energy and natural resources sectors, including opportunities for Malaysian companies to invest in the country and for Timorese technicians to receive training in Malaysia.
The discussion took place on Tuesday during a courtesy meeting between Timor-Leste’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, and Malaysia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Fairuz Rozali, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Minister Monteiro congratulated Ambassador Fairuz Rozali on his appointment and expressed Timor-Leste’s appreciation for Malaysia’s longstanding friendship and strong support throughout Timor-Leste’s journey towards ASEAN membership. Minister Monteiro highlighted the importance of building on this relationship through greater cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in the oil and gas and minerals sectors, including greater engagement with Malaysian companies, technical cooperation, human capital development and technology transfer.
Minister Monteiro highlighted the valuable experience and expertise of Malaysia’s energy industry, and expressed Timor-Leste’s interest in expanding opportunities for national technicians to undertake practical training and gain experience within Malaysia’s established energy industry.
He also provided an overview of Timor-Leste’s ongoing petroleum and downstream development priorities, including Greater Sunrise, Bayu-Undan, other offshore and onshore petroleum activities, and the Tasi Mane Project.
The Minister emphasised Timor-Leste’s objective of progressively transforming its natural resources into a foundation for industrialisation, economic diversification and long-term national development.
He welcomed greater participation by Malaysian companies in Timor-Leste’s energy and minerals sectors and expressed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing close engagement with the Malaysian Embassy and relevant Malaysian institutions to identify practical areas for future cooperation.
TATOLI
