Australia’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Richard Marles, paid an official visit to Timor-Leste to participate in celebrations marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence, observed on May 20th, 2026. During the visit, he met the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta; the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão; the Minister of Defence, Donaciano da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”; and other members of the Government, to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. 
During the visit, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas; the Minister of Defence, Donaciano da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”; and the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco Monteiro, met with Richard Marles at the Government Palace in Dili.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia, as well as issues of mutual interest, including defence and security cooperation, regional and international developments, and monitoring Timor-Leste’s national development process.
Richard Marles expressed the Australian Government’s willingness to continue supporting Timor-Leste across various areas of cooperation, in line with the country’s priorities and needs, and acknowledged Timor-Leste’s progress over the past 24 years.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said that “Australia is following Timor-Leste’s development” and added that the neighbouring country “is ready to support Timor-Leste when necessary.”
Richard Marles also noted that he considers Timor-Leste “a peaceful nation with a strong vision for the future” and highlighted the progress achieved since the restoration of independence.
As part of his official visit, Richard Marles also met the Minister of Defence to discuss strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including the possibility of signing a bilateral agreement to deepen future cooperation and strengthen mechanisms for defending shared interests.
The parties also discussed cooperation within ASEAN, including joint participation in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and its specialised working groups, following Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN in 2025.
During his visit, Richard Marles congratulated the people of Timor-Leste on the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence. They reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to further developing its bilateral partnership with Timor-Leste.