DILI, 20 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, began a series of official working visits on 18 April 2026 to Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines.
The trip forms part of the Government’s broader diplomatic agenda, including support for the Prime Minister’s participation in key regional meetings.
The tour includes participation in the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), held from 20 to 24 April in Bangkok, Thailand.
The session gathers ministers and senior officials from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss pressing development issues, including sustainable development, employment, population ageing, social inclusion, and economic transformation.
Following the UN meeting, Minister Freitas will attend the 25th ASEAN–European Union Ministerial Meeting on 27 and 28 April in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meeting is part of the ASEAN–EU strategic partnership established in 2020 and serves as a platform to review cooperation and set joint priorities in areas such as trade, security, and global challenges.
From 3 to 5 May, Minister Freitas will accompany Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on an official visit to Brunei Darussalam.
He will later join the Prime Minister again from 7 to 9 May for the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, where regional leaders are expected to discuss strategic direction and key policy decisions for Southeast Asia.
Earlier in the trip, while transiting through Singapore en route to Thailand, Minister Freitas met with Singapore’s newly appointed Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Teo Lay Cheng. The two discussed strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation, particularly in the context of Timor-Leste’s preparations for future ASEAN chairmanship responsibilities.
TATOLI
