Government of Timor-Leste

On April 18^th, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, began a series of working visits to Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines to participate in multilateral meetings and advance the Government’s diplomatic agenda, including the Prime Minister’s participation in regional meetings. 

As part of these visits, the Minister is attending the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which will be held from April 20^th to 24^th in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting brings together ministers and representatives from across the region to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable development, including employment, population ageing, social inclusion, and economic transformation.

The Minister will then attend the 25th ASEAN–European Union Ministerial Meeting on April 27^th and 28^th in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, which forms part of the institutional dialogue between the two blocs under the strategic partnership established in 2020. The meeting offers an opportunity to assess the state of cooperation and define joint priorities in areas such as the economy, security, and global challenges.

From May 3^rd to 5^th, Minister Bendito Freitas will accompany Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on an official visit to Brunei Darussalam. Subsequently, from May 7^th to 9^th, he will also accompany the Head of Government to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, where the region’s Heads of State and Government will discuss strategic guidelines and policy decisions for Southeast Asia.

During a stopover in Singapore on his way to Thailand, the Minister met the new Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Timor-Leste, Teo Lay Cheng, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in preparation for future ASEAN chairmanships.