Dili, May 8 (AseanAll) — President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste praised Cambodia as a “good and great friend” during a meeting with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen in Dili on May 8,2025.

“Cambodia is a good and great friend of the East-Timorese,” Ramos-Horta stated during the talks, as relayed by Cambodian Senate Spokesperson Chea Thirith. He expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s support, particularly Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s efforts in securing Timor-Leste’s ASEAN observer status in 2022, during Cambodia’s ASEAN chairmanship.

Ramos-Horta warmly welcomed Hun Sen and his delegation, emphasising the honour and pride felt by the Timorese people and government. He lauded Hun Sen as “the most influential figure in Southeast Asia” and reiterated his hope for Timor-Leste’s swift accession to full ASEAN membership.

Hun Sen, recalling his 2016 visit, thanked Timor-Leste for its continued hospitality. He conveyed well wishes from the King of Cambodia and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. As a legislative leader, Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid.

The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. Samdech Hun Sen also extended an invitation from the Cambodian King for President Ramos-Horta to revisit Cambodia at his convenience.