On April 20th, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, attended the opening of the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which runs until April 24th, at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. 
The session, co-organised by the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Thailand and chaired by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, brought together heads of government, ministers, senior officials, and representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss challenges and opportunities for a sustainable future.
Under the theme “Leaving no one behind: promoting an age-friendly society in Asia and the Pacific,” the discussions focus on demographic trends, decent work, healthy ageing, women’s economic empowerment, the future of care, and social inclusion.
During the session on the theme “Opportunities and Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development. In his remarks, he highlighted the country’s dual vulnerability as both a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and a Least Developed Country (LDC), emphasising the need to strengthen regional cooperation, improve access to climate and development finance, promote digital transformation, and invest continuously in youth and human capital.
The foreign minister also noted that Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and its chairmanship of the Group of Least Developed Countries on Climate Change for the 2026–2027 term reflect the country’s commitment to regional solidarity, climate action, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
This visit is part of a series of working visits that began on April 18th, 2026, and include trips to Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines, intended to support the Government’s diplomatic agenda and to participate in multilateral meetings.
Following the ESCAP meeting, the Minister will attend the 25th ASEAN–European Union Ministerial Meeting on April 27th and 28th, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, as part of the strategic partnership between the two regions. From May 3rd to 5th, he will accompany Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on an official visit to Brunei Darussalam, and from May 7th to 9th, he will be part of the national delegation at the 48th ASEAN Summit, to be held in Cebu, Philippines.