DILI, 08 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s newly appointed Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Elisa Maria da Silva, formally assumed her duties after presenting her Letter of Credence to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Kao emphasised that the Ambassador’s extensive diplomatic experience would be an invaluable asset to the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR).
The Secretary-General also commended Timor-Leste for its steadfast commitment and meaningful contributions to ASEAN, following its admission as the eleventh Member State of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit, held in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Timor-Leste can play a meaningful role in advancing the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, particularly in strengthening regional integration and fostering a more cohesive community,” Kao said.
Da Silva reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to ASEAN unity and cooperation, saying Timor-Leste would work closely with member states and partners to promote peace, inclusivity and sustainable development in the region.
“We remain dedicated to working closely with all Member States and Partners,” said Ambassador Silva.
Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to support Ambassador Silva and the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to ASEAN in Jakarta, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between the CPR and the ASEAN Secretariat in advancing ASEAN’s goals and objectives, as well as supporting Timor-Leste’s full and effective integration into ASEAN.
Ambassador Silva was sworn in last month as Timor-Leste’s new Permanent Representative to ASEAN by President José Ramos-Horta.
Ambassador Silva’s appointment was formalized by the Decree of the President of the Republic No.35/2026. She succeeds Ambassador Natercia Cipriana Coelho da Silva.
Ambassador Silva is a career diplomat with more than two decades of experience in regional affairs. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Director-General for ASEAN Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Her previous roles within the ministry include Director for the ASEAN Political-Security Community Pillar.
She has also held significant postings abroad, serving as Counsellor at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Bangkok, Thailand, where she also acted as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Interim Chargé d’Affaires from February 2020 to January 2021.
Earlier in her career, Silva was First Secretary at the Timor-Leste Embassy in Canberra, Australia (2010–2013), and Third Secretary/Consul at the Consulate General in Sydney, Australia (2005–2008).
She began her career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in 2001. Between overseas assignments, she held key positions at the Ministry, including Director for Protocol and Ceremonial (2014–2016) and was twice appointed Chief of Staff during that period.
Before joining the foreign service, she gained valuable experience as a production assistant, camerawoman, and TV presenter for TVTL/Public Information Unit, OCPIO UNTAET, during 1999–2000.
Silva also served as an interpreter/translator and administrative assistant in the Administration Section of UNAMET from June to September 1999.
As Permanent Representative, Ambassador Elisa Maria da Silva will serve as Timor-Leste’s principal representative to ASEAN and a member of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR).
Her key responsibilities will include representing Timor-Leste in CPR meetings, liaising with the ASEAN Secretariat, and facilitating the implementation of ASEAN agreements. Her mandate is crucial for leveraging the strategic opportunities of full membership, including enhanced economic integration into a market of over 600 million people, active participation in regional security dialogues, and institutional capacity building.
TATOLI
