Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours and partners, with shared history and strong people-to-people links. Australia has been at the forefront of international support for Timor-Leste since its independence on 20 May 2002. Australia is Timor-Leste's largest development and security partner.
Many Australians are engaged with Timor-Leste through Australian state, territory and local governments, non-government organisations, the private sector, learning institutions and friendship groups.
Timor-Leste has a population of around 1.3 million. The official languages of Timor-Leste are Tetum and Portuguese, while English and Indonesian are working languages. Approximately 95 per cent of Timorese are Catholic.
Bilateral relations
Australia and Timor-Leste’s partnership is profoundly important to both countries. Located just 650 kilometres apart and with a shared maritime boundary, the stability, security, resilience, and prosperity of our two countries are deeply interconnected. Our history, common interests and geography connect us now and into the future. Our partnership is founded on mutual respect and maintained through a steady cycle of engagement and consultation.
On 26 October 2025, Timor-Leste became the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Australia is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey from the beginning through technical assistance and capacity building. We will support Timor-Leste’s regional integration and participation in ASEAN to ensure membership delivers benefits for the Timorese people. We will also continue to support Timor-Leste meet its post-accession obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Our relationship is maintained through regular, high-level engagement by Australian and Timorese ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials. Examples since 2023 include:
- a visit to Dili by Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs the Hon Dr Anne Aly in August 2025, to attend the Timor-Leste Australia Economic and Business Conference and advance development cooperation
- a visit to Dili by Australia's Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, to lead a business exchange and strengthen trade and investment links in line with Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040
- a visit to Australia by the Timorese National Parliamentary Committee for foreign affairs, defence and security (Committee B) in August 2025
- a visit to Canberra by Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, in August 2025 to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing border controls and combating transnational crime
- a visit to Australia by the Timorese National Parliamentary Economic and Development Committee (Committee D) in July 2025
- a visit to Dili by Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, Cyber Security and the Arts the Hon Tony Burke in January 2025 to enhance cooperation on security challenges
- a visit to Dili by Minister for Veteran Affairs Keogh in September 2024 for the commemoration of the INTERFET deployment in 1999
- a visit to Dili by Deputy Prime Minister Marles in August 2024 for the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste's Popular Consultation independence referendum
- a visit to Melbourne by Prime Minister Gusmão, accompanied by Vice Prime Minister Kalbuadi Lay and Foreign Minister Freitas, to the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March 2024, during which Prime Minister Albanese announced a $5 million English language program for Timor-Leste's ASEAN accession
- a visit to Perth by Foreign Minister Freitas in February 2024 for the Indian Ocean Conference
- a visit to Dili by Minister for International Development Conroy in January 2024, during which he announced Phase V of the Timor-Leste Police Development Program ($35 million, 2024-2028) and support for returning PALM workers
- visits to Canberra by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Monteiro in January and October 2024
- a visit to Dili by Foreign Minister Wong on 7 July 2023, during which she announced an additional $2 million to support Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN and the WTO, and the doubling of Australia Awards scholarships from 10 to 20 places; and
- a visit to Australia by then Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, accompanied by Foreign Minister Magno, from 6-10 February 2023, during which the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory was renewed.
Political overview
Timor-Leste achieved independence on 20 May 2002. Timor-Leste's independence resulted from a UN-sponsored referendum in August 1999.
Timor-Leste's head of state is a directly elected President with limited executive power. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is formally appointed by the President. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party that can form a majority or majority coalition in the unicameral national parliament.
Timor-Leste's most recent parliamentary election was held on 21 May 2023. Xanana Gusmão was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste on 1 July 2023. The National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, headed by Gusmão, won 31 seats in the 65-seat parliament and formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party (PD) (6 seats).
At Timor-Leste’s invitation, three Australian parliamentarians – Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP, Senator Wendy Askew and Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly Ms Janelle Saffin – observed the election.
Timor-Leste held a two-stage presidential election in March and April 2022. Dr José Ramos-Horta was sworn in as President on 19 May 2022.
Trade and investment
In 2024, two-way merchandise trade between Australia and Timor-Leste was worth $288.7 million. Australia’s exports to Timor-Leste totalled $170.8 million, with major items including business travel and passenger motor vehicles. Imports from Timor-Leste totalled $177.9 million, including recreational and business travel, and coffee. The country fact sheet [PDF 262 KB] has more details about Australia's trade and investment relationship with Timor-Leste.
Our economic partnership is growing. An increasing number of Australian-related businesses are operating in Timor-Leste, covering financial services, oil and gas, shipping, trade, manufacturing, and services. We have a solid foundation to strengthen economic and business links to support Timor-Leste’s development and regional integration, aligned with Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. As Australia’s Business Champion for Timor-Leste, Mr Shane Walden is working with Timor-Leste to support its economic goals, including regional economic integration.
Timor-Leste’s economy has traditionally been anchored by the hydrocarbons sector. Government expenditure continues to be a key driver of economic activity. The Government of Timor-Leste aims to expand its blue and green economies, which would underpin other sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
Remittances from Timorese workers overseas – including those in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme – are the largest non-petroleum contributor to the economy. Since 2012, Timorese participants in Australian labour mobility programs have sent home more than $104 million in remittances. On 21 December 2024, Prime Ministers Albanese and Gusmão announced the Timor-Leste-Australia Labour Mobility and Skills Partnership will provide nearly $50 million to equip more Timorese workers with job-ready skills.
Security and defence cooperation
Australia has strong partnerships with Timor-Leste's armed forces and police. We cooperate on regional security issues, including maritime security, border security and transnational crime.
Australia was in the frontline of support for Timor-Leste's transition to independence. Australian personnel participated in the United Nations Assistance Mission to East Timor (UNAMET) from June 1999, to allow East Timor to choose between autonomy within Indonesia, or independence, at the referendum on 30 August 1999. Australia also led the International Force East Timor (INTERFET), comprised of 22 nations, which restored security following the post-referendum violence. With around 5,500 personnel, INTERFET remains Australia’s largest UN-mandated peacekeeping mission to date.
From 1999 to 2013, Australia supported peacekeeping and nation-building activities. Australia led the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) (2006-2013), which also included New Zealand Defence Force members. The ISF provided security backup to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and remained in Timor-Leste at the invitation of the Timorese Government. Australia also participated in the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) (2000-2002), the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) (2002-2005), the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTL) (2005-2006), and UNMIT (2006-2012).
As Timor-Leste’s largest policing partner, we continue our commitment to support Timor-Leste to maintain law and order, including through building police force capability via a community policing model. Our flagship police cooperation initiative is the Timor-Leste Police Development Program.
Our Defence Cooperation Program supports a capable and responsive Defence Force and Ministry of Defence. On 7 September 2022, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA). Our defence cooperation includes cooperation in the maritime domain, given our shared border and maritime zones.
People connections
There is a deep reservoir of respect, friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people, forged through shared experiences during the Second World War, the Timorese journey to independence, and the Timorese diaspora. Many Australians remain actively connected to Timor-Leste, including through friendship groups, community and church groups.
Through the Australia Awards, Australia provides scholarships for Timorese students, researchers, and professionals and we are proud to have hosted almost 500 talented Timorese emerging leaders to study in Australia. Many of the alumni network are now in leadership positions in government, the private sector and in the community. The Awards develop capacity and leadership skills so that individuals can contribute to Timor-Leste and build connections with Australia.
The Australian Volunteers Program promotes economic growth and poverty reduction in the Indo-Pacific by matching skilled volunteers with host organisations to achieve their development goals. To date, 72 volunteers have undertaken 236 assignments to support Timor-Leste.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is addressing labour shortages in rural and regional Australia and providing opportunities for workers to develop skills, earn income and support their families back home. As of October 2025, there were more than 5,170 Timorese workers in Australia under the PALM scheme. Timor-Leste has now achieved the milestone of 20,000 labour mobility assignments in Australia since joining Australia's labour mobility programs in 2012.
Development assistance
Australia continues to adapt our development partnerships to meet Timor-Leste’s priorities. Australia is Timor-Leste’s largest development partner – our Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) in 2025-26 is projected to be $135.9 million, up from $123.3 million in 2024-25.
The Australia – Timor-Leste Development Partnership Plan 2025-2030 (DPP) sets out the development priorities Australia shares with Timor-Leste. It is underpinned by consultations with a broad range of partners, including government, civil society and other development organisations.
Australia is working with Timor-Leste to deliver long-term human development outcomes, grow and diversify the economy and to support the resilience of institutions and communities. The Development assistance in Timor-Leste page provides more information.
Regional and global economic integration
On 26 October 2025, Timor-Leste became the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This is an important milestone for ASEAN and a significant step for Timor-Leste’s regional integration and economic development.
In 2024, Timor-Leste acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Australia reached an agreement on market access with Timor-Leste in 2022 as part of this accession process, supporting Timor-Leste's integration into regional and global trade networks.
Australia will continue to support Timor-Leste to maximise the benefits of its ASEAN membership. This includes technical assistance for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, support for trilateral capacity building workshops in partnership with ASEAN members states and the ASEAN Secretariat, and an English language training program. The English language training program was announced at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March 2024.
Australia is supporting Timor-Leste to strengthen economic and security links with other Southeast Asian countries. Australia is supporting initiatives to strengthen digital infrastructure, cyber security, private sector development and vocational skills. We are also investing in the redevelopment of Dili’s President Nicolau Lobato International Airport.