The Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, will visit Australia on Monday on his first official visit abroad.

The visit will take place between February 6th and 9th to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation with Australia as a neighbouring country. The visit also intends to acknowledge the Australian Government and people for their support and generosity during the 8th Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste’s term, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Australia contributed with vaccines and experts to Timor-Leste. In addition, Australia also supported Timor-Leste following the natural disasters that struck the country in 2020 and 2021.

During his stay in Australia, the Timorese Head of Government will meet with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, and courtesy meetings with the Governor-General, David Hurley, and other important personalities from Australia.

This visit by the Head of Government was initially scheduled for February 2022. However, due to the Prime Minister having tested positive for COVID-19, the visit had to be postponed, and only now has there been an opportunity to hold it.

The Head of Government will be accompanied in this visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza Magno.

The Head of Government and his delegation will return to the country on February 10th, 2023.