Seri Begawan, May 13 (AseanAll) — Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, on 13 May 2025 received in audience Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”, Chief of Defence Force of Timor-Leste. 

The Audience ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman.

Accompanying Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek” to the Audience ceremony was Abel Guterres, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam.

Meanwhile in a separate audience, Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam also received in audience Yang Mulia Madam Rosa Maria Quintão, spouse of the Chief of Defence Force of Timor-Leste, and Yang Mulia Madam Ana Guterres, spouse of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Darussalam and Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has established warm and cordial bilateral relations, founded upon mutual respect and shared regional aspirations. The bilateral diplomatic ties between the both countries were formally established on 20 May 2002. Although cooperation in the defence field remains on a relatively modest scale, both countries continue to maintain constructive engagement, primarily through multilateral platforms such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN).

This visit marks Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek” first visit to Brunei Darussalam since his appointment as Chief of Defence Force of Timor-Leste on 2 February 2022. Domingos Raul and his delegation are on a four-day official visit to Brunei Darussalam from 12 May to 15 May 2025.