Prime Minister pays an official visit to Brunei Darussalam, strengthening bilateral relations
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão paid an official visit to Brunei Darussalam from May 3rd to 5th, 2026, where he was welcomed by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan. 
The visit, the first to Brunei since Timor-Leste became a full member of ASEAN on October 26th, 2025, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen sectoral cooperation.
During the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan congratulated the Government and people of Timor-Leste on their accession to ASEAN and reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s continued commitment to supporting Timor-Leste in its preparations for the chairmanship and organisation of the ASEAN Summit in 2029.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Brunei Darussalam for its support throughout Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, ASEAN unity, and respect for international law.
During the visit, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the two Governments in the areas of energy, health, and the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation was signed by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro. The agreement in the area of health was signed by the Minister of Health, Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral. The Memorandum on bilateral consultations was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to deepening institutional collaboration, promoting sectoral partnerships, and translating strong political will into concrete results for both countries.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan hosted an official luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, attended by members of the Royal Family and the Timorese delegation.
The delegation from Timor-Leste comprised Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas; the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro; the Minister of Health, Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral; the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel; the Secretary of State for Media, Expedito Ximenes; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam, Abel Guterres; and the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Elizabeth Exposto.
From May 7th to 9th, the Prime Minister will lead the national delegation to the 48th ASEAN Summit, to be held in Cebu, Philippines.
