DILI, 20 June 2025 (TATOLI) – On Thursday, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, met with Japan’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Muto Yoji, in Tokyo ahead of the LNG Producer–Consumer Conference. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral energy cooperation and exploring new investment opportunities.
Also present at the meeting were Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Japan, Ilidio Ximenes da Costa, and Yuya Hasegawa, Director of the Energy Resources Development Division at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
During the meeting, Minister Muto shared Japan’s views on the current global energy landscape, noting the heightened geopolitical tensions around the world, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the resulting spike in electricity and natural gas demand. He emphasized the critical role of LNG in ensuring energy security and stability, especially during energy transitions, and affirmed Japan’s belief in the long-term relevance of natural gas, even in a post-carbon-neutral world.
He expressed strong interest in Timor-Leste’s potential cross-border CCS initiative, noting it as a promising area for future cooperation. He conveyed Japan’s willingness to partner with Timor-Leste and with the Australian Government to support the establishment of a CCS project in the region and encouraged further dialogue that could involve Japanese companies.
Echoing Muto’s statement, Minister Monteiro outlined Timor-Leste’s strategic energy plans, highlighting its ambition to develop its estimated 10 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas reserves over the next decade. He underscored the country’s commitment to becoming a reliable energy supplier and called on Japan to encourage its private sector to invest in LNG and petrochemical projects in Timor-Leste.
Monteiro added that Greater Sunrise remains a priority but not the only available resource, referencing Chuditch and Kelp Deep as additional offshore opportunities. His Excellency highlighted Timor-Leste’s long-term vision to develop a downstream industrial base and pointed to Japan as a model for industrialisation.
Minister Monteiro reaffirmed the Government’s aim to deliver first gas from Greater Sunrise by 2032 and highlighted the work undertaken on the pipeline and LNG infrastructure to support development on the south coast of Timor-Leste.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing appreciation for the constructive exchange. Minister Monteiro conveyed his intention to continue engaging with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to explore concrete avenues for future cooperation.
TATOL
