DILI, 20 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão welcomed Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Government Palace in Dili for talks on strengthening the strategic partnership between Timor-Leste and Australia.
The bilateral meeting took place during Marles’ official visit to attend celebrations marking Timor-Leste’s 24th anniversary of the restoration of independence on May 20, in Dili.
The meeting, which was also attended by Timor-Leste’s Defence Minister, Donaciano da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Francisco Monteiro, focused on strengthening the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.
“We discussed the strong friendship between our two countries. Australia has closely followed Timor-Leste’s development,” Prime Minister Gusmão said.
Marles told the Prime Minister that, as a close neighbour and partner of Timor-Leste, Australia is always ready to provide support whenever needed.
According to Gusmão, during the meeting Marles acknowledged the significant progress Timor-Leste has made over the 24 years since independence.
TATOLI
