Government of Timor-Leste

A delegation from the Government of Timor-Leste, led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, participated, on March 6, 2024, in the Summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of Australia's dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Australia. 

Under the theme "A Partnership for the Future", the leaders of Australia, ASEAN and Timor-Leste reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting peace, stability, prosperity and a sustainable future for the region.

During the summit, the leaders pledged to work together to tackle common challenges and identify opportunities that benefit everyone in the region. The ASEAN-Australia Joint Vision Statement and the Melbourne Declaration were approved, outlining the next 50 years of this partnership to promote an open, inclusive and transparent region centred on ASEAN. 

The leaders expressed their common aspirations for the region's future, pledging to contribute to maintaining peace and stability and strengthening cooperation for sustainable development and prosperity. They identified areas of practical cooperation for the future, from deepening economic and socio-cultural ties to enhancing educational and environmental cooperation. 

Several initiatives were announced, including establishing an ASEAN-Australia Centre in Canberra, scholarships, an energy cooperation package, training actions, expansion of maritime cooperation and measures to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. The establishment of a $2 billion Investment Finance Fund to catalyse investment in the region in critical sectors such as infrastructure and the transition to clean energy was also announced.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed his satisfaction at Timor-Leste's participation as an observer country at the Summit and emphasised the importance of the event for joint reflection on what has already been achieved and what is desired for the future of relations between ASEAN and Australia. 

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, said it was “an honour to welcome the leaders of ASEAN and Timor-Leste to Melbourne in celebration of 50 years of partnership between ASEAN and Australia”.

The Head of the Australian Government emphasised that “the economies of ASEAN and Australia are deeply intertwined” and expressed Australia's willingness to “play a more significant role in the search for economic opportunities, development and growth in Southeast Asia”.

The national delegation included the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas; Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Australia, Inês de Almeida; the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Exposto; and technical staff.