Today I will travel to Timor-Leste to meet with newly appointed Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and his government, and to reaffirm Australia’s deep and broad friendship with our close partner.
During the visit I will also meet with President José Ramos-Horta and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas.
Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours, friends and partners. These deep bonds form the foundation on which we can build our futures together. We are equal stakeholders in an open, stable and prosperous region.
From economic development, through to assisting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, Australia is committed to supporting Timor-Leste as a sovereign, secure and resilient nation.
We cooperate across a wide range of sectors, including health and human development, education and skills, and defence and security.
This cooperation reflects the deep reservoir of respect, friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people.
This will be my second visit to Timor-Leste as Minister for Foreign Affairs.