DILI, 19 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation during talks held on the sidelines of events marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations in Kazan.
The meeting, which took place during Gusmão’s first visit to Russia and to the city of Kazan, focused on strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, investment, education, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
Putin described Timor-Leste as a promising partner in the Asia-Pacific region and reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
“Our two countries have been developing constructive political dialogue, and we will do everything to further facilitate this process,” Putin said.
The Russian leader noted that contacts between the two countries had intensified through diplomatic channels and multilateral cooperation.
“The fact that a delegation from Timor-Leste took part in the first International Security Forum in the Moscow Region was quite useful, and we reaffirm our commitment to further collaborate in this format in the future,” he said.
Putin expressed Russia’s interest in expanding cooperation across a range of sectors, particularly energy, mining and tourism, while highlighting opportunities to increase bilateral trade.
“We believe that there is potential for expanding our trade, which has been rather modest so far. We would welcome Timor-Leste delegation’s more active participation in multilateral events in Russia, primarily the St Petersburg and Eastern economic forums,” he said.
He also said Russia was prepared to strengthen humanitarian cooperation, including in science, education and professional training. “In particular, we could offer citizens from Timor-Leste an opportunity to study in Russia’s universities,” Putin said.
“I suggest that we discuss prospects for our mutually beneficial cooperation across all these domains during this meeting,” he concluded.
For his part, Gusmão welcomed stronger engagement with Russia, both bilaterally and within the framework of ASEAN-Russia relations.
Gusmão said the meeting with President Putin was important for Timor-Leste not only in terms of bilateral relations with Russia but also as part of its participation in the ASEAN-Russia partnership.
He noted that Russia had long been an ASEAN dialogue partner and said Timor-Leste welcomed cooperation between ASEAN and Russia.
Gusmão said strengthening international partnerships with countries such as Russia would play an important role in supporting Timor-Leste’s development. “We therefore value cooperation partnerships that can help support our country and our region. This includes foreign investment from Russia, which would be very welcome in our country. We have the problem of lack of jobs, lack of human resources, and it was very important to us to know in this conference that Russia is open to help,” he said.
The Timorese leader also revealed plans to establish a diplomatic mission in Moscow and encouraged Russia to consider opening an embassy in Dili.
“We know that all other ASEAN nations have an embassy in Moscow, and now, that we are also a member, we intend to open an embassy in Russia in the future. Timor-Leste would also very much welcome Russia considering opening an embassy in Dili,” he said.
During the meeting, Putin acknowledged Gusmão’s significant contribution to Timor-Leste’s statehood and his active role in the country’s independence movement.
The Russian president also recalled Moscow’s support for Timor-Leste through international assistance programs implemented by the World Food Programme, as well as Russia’s contribution of civilian and police personnel to United Nations missions in the country.
Putin congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming a full member of ASEAN, saying the country’s accession to the regional bloc would strengthen its international standing and further enhance its role in regional affairs.
TATOLI
