The Government of Timor-Leste, represented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, and the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), represented by the Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising twinning between the cities of Dili and Macao. The signing ceremony occurred at the Macao SAR Government Headquarters on September 26th, 2024. 
This agreement strengthens cooperation between Timor-Leste and Macau, focusing on the economy, trade, tourism, education and culture. Minister Tomás do Rosário Cabral emphasised the importance of this agreement, stating that “Macau and Dili have established a twinning relationship, and it is hoped that this partnership between the two cities, their companies and their communities will be lasting for the common good, a mature and consolidated relationship, but with much more to offer those who benefit from it”. 
Macau’s Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, said that “Timor-Leste and Macau are two important points on the Maritime Silk Road” and emphasised that twinning will allow both parties to take advantage of the development opportunities brought about by the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, deepen cooperation with mutual benefits, and build a better future together. 
During his speech, Minister Tomás do Rosário Cabral stressed that this twinning “represents a true hymn to peace and a precious contribution to the defence of Asian values, particularly our historical and cultural values of the past, present and future”. The Minister also mentioned that, despite the uncertainties and conflicts that persist in various regions of the world, the twinning between Dili and Macau proves that cooperation and unity between cities and countries can bring significant benefits to both sides. 
The Minister also emphasised the importance of young people for the future of this partnership, saying that “the future is young people, and it is precisely in this context that both parties are developing more partnerships, aimed at the education, culture and youth sectors”. 
Macau’s Chief Executive recalled the history of cooperation between Macau and Timor-Leste, mentioning that ties between the two countries have developed steadily since establishing diplomatic relations between China and Timor-Leste 22 years ago. Ho Iat Seng emphasised that Macau will continue to play its role as a “Service Platform for Commercial Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”, reinforcing cooperation with Timor-Leste through Forum Macau.
Before the signing ceremony, Minister Tomás do Rosário Cabral and the Macau Chief Executive met to discuss issues related to the economy, trade, tourism, education and culture to further strengthen the relationship between Dili and Macau. 
The National Director for the Simplification and Modernisation of Local Administration, Maria Goretti Marques Belo; the Director General for Decentralisation and Local Power, António Augusto Guterres; the President of the Dili Municipal Authority, Gregório da Cunha Saldanha; and the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macau SAR, Liu Xianfa also attended the ceremony.