Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first visit to Timor-Leste as Prime Minister.
In Dili, he met His Excellency President Dr José Ramos-Horta and His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The Prime Minister also addressed the Parliament of Timor-Leste, a great honour for Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Gusmão signed a joint declaration establishing Parseria Foun ba Era Foun, which is Tetum for a New Partnership for a New Era.
The declaration is the first of its kind between our two nations and cements our growing economic, security and development partnerships.
Parseria is a demonstration of our shared commitment to:
- an open, stable and prosperous region;
- cooperation, consultation and mutual respect for national sovereignty;
- support Timor-Leste’s nation building priorities; and
- strengthen community links.
Prime Minister Albanese announced an Economic Cooperation Package for Timor‑Leste, which includes a further $8.2 million to support its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization.
The package also includes an $80 million Private Sector Development Program to support Timor-Leste's economic diversification and private sector growth through access to credit, business services and marketing support.
In addition, the Prime Minister announced a new $220 million Human Development Initiative to support the delivery of inclusive and high-quality health, education and disability services across Timor-Leste.
The Australian Government committed to allocate ten per cent of Australia and Timor-Leste’s combined future upstream revenue from the Greater Sunrise project, once finalised, to the Timor‑Leste Infrastructure Fund.
Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta presented the Prime Minister with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between Australia and Timor-Leste and commitment to the prosperity of the Timorese people.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese:
“This marks a new era of cooperation between our nations.
“It reflects our longstanding friendship and sets out our shared vision for the future.
“It was an honour to visit Timor-Leste at this important moment in its history following its accession to ASEAN.
“Australia will continue to work with Timor-Leste to ensure this delivers peace, stability, and prosperity for the Timorese people and our shared region.”