United Kingdom announces reopening of embassy in Timor-Leste and strengthening of relations
The UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne Marie-Trevelyan, announced after a meeting with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili the decision to reopen the UK embassy in Timor-Leste and strengthen ties between the two countries. The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel and Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, João Paulo da Costa Rangel, also attended the meeting. 
During the meeting, the Head of Government and the UK Minister discussed strategies to strengthen the bilateral partnership, namely in preparing Timor-Leste for membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and economic development, health, and nutrition.
Anne Marie-Trevelyan expressed her satisfaction at announcing “the UK Government’s intention to reopen our embassy in Dili”, stressing that “this reflects the UK’s commitment to the Timorese”. 
The Minister also explained that “the reopening of a permanent UK presence in Dili will mark the next stage in our closer bilateral relations, building on the intensification of our engagement over the past two years, including President Ramos Horta’s recent visit to the UK in January”. 
“The UK is committed to building stronger long-term partnerships in the Indo-Pacific to support maritime and economic security, using our global diplomatic network to support these relationships”, said the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific.
This is Anne Marie-Trevelyan’s second visit to Timor-Leste following her visit in October 2023.
