DILI, 24 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on Wednesday, held a bilateral meeting with Anne Aly MP, Australia’s Minister for International Development, to advance the implementation of the New Partnership for a New Era (Parceria Foun ba Era Foun) and further strengthen the strategic relationship between Timor-Leste and Australia.
The two ministers reviewed progress in translating the shared vision of both governments into concrete initiatives and discussed priority areas under the Joint Plan of Action aimed at delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Minister Bendito expressed appreciation for Australia’s longstanding support for Timor-Leste’s development and highlighted the importance of cooperation in private sector development, human capital development, labour mobility, and Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration, including its 2029 Chairmanship.
Both ministers underscored the strategic value of labour mobility programmes in creating employment opportunities and developing skills, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening English-language training, pre-departure preparation, and protection for Timorese workers.
They also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in agriculture, particularly in coffee cultivation, research, and value-chain development, to enhance productivity and expand economic opportunities.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Timor-Leste and Australia to strengthening institutional cooperation and advancing the New Partnership for a New Era through sustained dialogue, practical collaboration, and effective implementation of agreed priorities.
TATOLI
