From September 8th to 11th 2025, Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, dedicated to strengthening bilateral cooperation and sharing experiences in the field of rural, economic and social development.
During his stay, the Vice Prime Minister met with the Secretary of the Thai Foreign Minister, Chutintorn Gongsakdi, whom he thanked for his support for Timor-Leste’s accession process as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
At the meeting, government officials from both countries shared experiences and best practices, as well as opportunities for cooperation in various areas, such as agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, and strategic industries, considering their potential to boost economic growth and improve the well-being of their populations.
Chutintorn Gongsakdi expressed Thailand’s willingness to continue supporting Timor-Leste to ensure a ‘smooth, inclusive and effective’ ASEAN accession process through institutional capacity building, diplomatic training and cooperation in multiple areas.
The meeting was attended by government representatives and diplomats from Thailand, as well as the Chief of Staff and technical experts from the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Housing of Timor-Leste.
As part of his official visit to Thailand, the Vice Prime Minister also visited the Asia-Pacific Centre for Disability (APCD), an institution recognized for its work in promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The visit provided an opportunity to learn about vocational training and social entrepreneurship initiatives that aim to strengthen inclusion, promote the active participation of persons with disabilities in the economy, and create sustainable development models. Mariano Assanami Sabino highlighted the APCD as an important inspiration for strengthening social and inclusion policies in Timor-Leste.
This official visit helped to consolidate the friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Thailand, particularly in the areas of social development and the empowerment of vulnerable groups.
After visiting Thailand, the Vice Prime Minister travelled to China and then to South Korea, where he is participating in the Saemaul 2025 Global Ministerial Meeting and the Saemaul Global Leadership Forum (GSLF) in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, from September 16th to 19th. The Saemaul movement, launched in South Korea in the 1970s, is an international benchmark for community development and local capacity-building initiatives.
