Timor-Leste and Maldives strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation

DILI, 22 September 2026 (TATOLI) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The Ministers reaffirmed the friendly relations between Timor-Leste and the Maldives and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in health, trade and investment, tourism and other areas of mutual interest. They also emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration among small island states in addressing shared development challenges.

The meeting further highlighted closer coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral fora, including on international candidatures and issues affecting small island developing states.

Both sides expressed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue, strengthening high-level exchanges and translating shared interests into practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.

TATOLI