Timor-Leste, Australia strengthen defense cooperation with AUD$62 million support package
DÍLI, 21 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Australia have strengthened their defence and security partnership by signing a new cooperation framework backed by an Australian support package worth AUD$62 million.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who is also acting Defence Minister, signed the Defence Cooperation Framework with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence in Fatuhada, Dili.
Over the next five years, Australia will support initiatives to strengthen Timor-Leste’s cybersecurity and disaster response capabilities, while expanding the Timor-Leste Police Development Program.
The package is also intended to support Timor-Leste’s regional engagement as ASEAN’s newest member, building on longstanding cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
These investments build on the Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (New Partnership for a New Era), signed by Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Gusmão, in January 2026.
These initiatives reflect Australia and Timor-Leste’s commitment to addressing shared security challenges and supporting a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
The five-year support package will focus on four key areas: cybersecurity, maritime security, digital forensics and disaster response.
Under the cybersecurity initiative, Australia will provide specialist advisers and support for responding to cyber incidents, while helping Timor-Leste strengthen the protection of critical systems and infrastructure.
The package will also provide new vessels for the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) to patrol the country’s waters, conduct maritime search and rescue operations, and combat transnational crime.
In addition, Australia will support the development of digital forensics capabilities to help national policing agencies investigate cybercrime and disrupt scam centre operations.
The initiative will also strengthen Timor-Leste’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities through closer integration with ASEAN and Australian disaster response systems.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão thanked the Australian Government for its longstanding friendship and continued support for Timor-Leste, particularly in defence and security, economic development and regional integration.
Gusmão described Australia as a key development partner for Timor-Leste, highlighting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit in January 2026 as an important milestone in advancing the countries’ strategic partnership, known as Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (New Partnership for a New Era).
He also welcomed Australia’s support for developing the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), particularly through capacity building and technical assistance.
Gusmão said stronger maritime defence cooperation with Australia was essential to tackling illegal fishing, which he said had caused significant losses to the country’s marine resources.
On internal security, Gusmão welcomed Australia’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC), cybersecurity, as well as improving the capacity of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).
Australia will provide three patrol vessels to support the PNTL, alongside specialised training and capacity-building programmes for its Maritime Police Unit. The support aims to strengthen the protection of Timor-Leste’s waters, improve maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations, and help prevent transnational crime.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said that Australia and Timor-Leste share a history of deep security cooperation, underpinned by decades of security cooperation and strong people-to-people ties.
“This package reflects the trust and friendship between our countries,” said Marles.
He added that: “As Timor-Leste takes on a greater role in our region as ASEAN’s newest member, Australia is proud to stand alongside our close neighbour and work together in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”
TATOLI
