On February 2nd, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, participated in the third Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum of the European Union (EU) and the subsequent ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, held in Brussels, Belgium. 
At the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, which brought together around 70 participants, the interconnectedness of EU and Indo-Pacific prosperity and security in addressing global challenges was emphasised. Key priorities included upholding international rules and laws, fostering inclusive economic growth, tackling climate change and addressing geopolitical and security challenges.
Positive developments were highlighted, such as the signing of the Samoa Agreement, investments in infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, the EU’s accession to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the strengthening of the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. The EU’s commitment to extending Free Trade Agreements and Economic Partnerships with Indo-Pacific partners was underlined. The importance of strengthening digital cooperation and sustainable connectivity, through the Global Gateway initiative, and initiatives for a green transition were also emphasised. 
During the 24th EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting, co-chaired by Josep Borrell of the EU and Enrique Manalo of the Philippines, the importance of the EU-ASEAN partnership in promoting multilateralism and international law was emphasised. The progress made in key areas, including sustainable trade, digital transition and secure supply chains, was recognised. There was also an update on the Global Gateway Initiative and an analysis of regional and global security developments.
Minister Bendito Freitas said in his speech, “Timor-Leste recognises the importance of the ASEAN-EU partnership as a driving force for regional cooperation, economic development and strategic collaboration”. He emphasised the importance of this meeting as a “platform to promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation between two crucial regional blocs to improve collaboration and strengthen the ties that sustain regional stability”. 
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation expressed his appreciation for the EU’s “unwavering commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO and ASEAN” and assured that “Timor-Leste is committed and making every effort to meet the criteria and milestones listed in the roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN”.