Timor-Leste

ASEAN membership could help Timor-Leste expand market access, strengthen investor confidence and promote regional economic integration, while providing impetus for institutional reforms and improvements to the business environment.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thi Hoang Van held bilateral meetings with Lao, Cambodian and Timor-Leste officials and representatives of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in Vientiane on September 14 on the sidelines of the Third Review Conference (3RC) of the Convention on Cluster Munitions 2026 in Vientiane, Laos, to deepen cooperation with regional countries and partners.

The President noted Timor-Leste is pursuing sustainable development, stronger regional connectivity and expanded international cooperation while seeking investment opportunities in energy, tourism and emerging economic sectors to reduce its dependence on oil and gas revenues.

Vietnam stands ready to share expertise in crop varieties, cultivation techniques, irrigation, agricultural mechanisation, post-harvest preservation and the development of agricultural value chains.

The inauguration not only meets the embassy's operational needs but also demonstrates Vietnam's long-term commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with Timor-Leste.

Vietnam is willing to support Timor-Leste through bilateral cooperation as well as mechanisms within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Charge d'Affaires of Vietnam to Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam.

In the context of Timor-Leste’s recent accession as the 11th member of ASEAN, the two foreign ministers also discussed ways to enhance the RoK – ASEAN cooperation.

ASEAN and the RoK should soon translate leaders’ commitments into concrete actions while upgrading economic cooperation towards a more equal partnership based on high-quality investment, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam has sent a message of condolences to Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta over the passing of Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo”, former President and President of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN).

The Timor-Leste PM expressed admiration for Vietnam’s rapid and sustainable development, saying that this is a source of inspiration for many countries, including his country.

Huan said the meeting served as vivid evidence of the strong friendship and cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the two parties, as well as between Vietnam and the two countries.

Nghi affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening relations with the CNRT and political parties in member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the basis of sincerity, mutual trust, cooperation and shared development.

The top legislator proposed the two governments continue negotiations on new cooperation agreements and reaffirmed the Vietnamese legislature’s readiness to facilitate the signing and implementation of bilateral arrangements.

The two PMs shared the view that Vietnam and Timor-Leste boast considerable potential and advantages to further expand cooperation for the benefit of their peoples, as well as for stable, self-reliant, and sustainable development in the region.

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão's official visit and attendance at the forum hold significance, particularly for Timor-Leste’s integration process following its accession to ASEAN, and the future of ASEAN Community.

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão's official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the third ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) from June 7–10 is expected to elevate the close, substantive and effective relationship between Vietnam and Timor-Leste to a new level, in line with the interests of both nations and their people, while contributing to the building of a united, inclusive and resilient ASEAN.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s official visit to Vietnam and participation in the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum from June 7 to 10, 2026, is considered a highly significant event, particularly for Timor-Leste’s integration process as a newly admitted ASEAN member and for the future development of the ASEAN Community.

The bilateral ties, built on strong political trust, are now positioned to pivot from goodwill and political affinity toward a more concrete, focused and results-driven cooperation agenda with clear roadmaps.

Drawing on his experience as a diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ramos-Horta cited the reconciliation process between Timor-Leste and Indonesia as a model for peacebuilding. He paid tribute to former Indonesian leaders for their contributions to normalising bilateral ties, stressing that friendship and cooperation ultimately prevailed over past divisions and laid the foundation for Southeast Asia's stability today.

The representatives chosen through the 14th National Party Congress and the March 15 election will continue promoting the country's stature in the international arena and build on the foundation laid by earlier generations of Vietnamese leaders guided by President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, said Ambassador of Timor Leste João Pereira.