On October 8th, 2024, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and his counterpart from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Sonexay Siphandone, witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding aimed at exchanging rights to use land and buildings belonging to diplomatic missions and visa exemptions for holders of ordinary passports. 

The signing ceremony took place at the National Convention Centre of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith, formally signing the documents. 

“The strengthening of our bilateral relations, now formalised with these agreements, reflects the mutual commitment to strengthen ties between Timor-Leste and Laos in the coming years”, said Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão during the bilateral meeting that followed the signing.

The Head of Timor-Leste’s Executive also said that “signing these agreements is an important step towards exploring new possibilities for cooperation and solidifying the relationship between our countries”. 

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão congratulated Laos on its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024 and wished it success in organising the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, to be held on October 9^th, 2024. The Timorese Prime Minister acknowledged the challenge Laos faced in assuming the leadership of ASEAN at a time of significant global instability and praised the organisation’s role as a stabilising factor, promoting tolerance and peace in times of crisis.

Timor-Leste took the opportunity to express its appreciation for Laos’ continued support in the country’s process of joining ASEAN. The country hopes to become a full member by 2025. 

The Timor-Leste delegation at the bilateral meeting also included Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment; Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs; Filomeno Aleixo da Cruz, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Laos; Elizabeth Exposto, Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff; and Elisa da Silva, Director General of ASEAN.