The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, on March 5^th, 2024, on the sidelines of the Summit commemorating the 50^th anniversary of Australia’s dialogue partnership with ASEAN, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

During this meeting, the leaders discussed strengthening and expanding cooperation between Timor-Leste and New Zealand for the benefit of both countries’ populations.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed gratitude for New Zealand’s continued commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s development. He thanked the Prime Minister of New Zealand for supporting Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN, highlighting the importance of this regional integration.

Christopher Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and defence. The Prime Minister of New Zealand expressed his willingness to continue supporting Timor-Leste in the training of human resources and in initiatives related to security and defence. 

Both leaders highlighted the importance of the long-standing diplomatic collaboration between Timor-Leste and New Zealand, recognising the need to boost and diversify these ties in various areas.

In addition to the Prime Ministers, the Timorese delegation included the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for 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, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Australia, Inês de Almeida, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Exposto, and technical staff.