Australia pledges continued support for Timor-Leste to combat transnational crime
DÍLI, 22 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Australia has pledged to strengthen security cooperation with Timor-Leste to combat transnational crime, including through closer collaboration between the two countries’ police and defence forces.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles reaffirmed the commitment following a meeting with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta at the Presidential Palace in Dili.
Marles said transnational crime remained a significant challenge for Timor-Leste and posed a wider security threat to Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
He stressed the need to strengthen the operational capabilities of both countries’ security forces to improve their capacity to prevent and respond to criminal activities that cross national borders.
Marles said the two countries wanted to strengthen cooperation between their police and defence forces to improve their ability to combat transnational crime.
The discussions also covered the development of the Greater Sunrise gas project, a major petroleum development involving Timor-Leste and Australia.
Marles said Australia was working closely with Timor-Leste on technical agreements related to the project, reaffirming Canberra’s commitment to continued engagement with Dili on its development.
The meeting highlighted the two countries’ shared priorities in regional security and energy development, as they seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Rafael Belo
Translation: Filomeno Martins
