(AseanAll) — The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, met on July 3, at the Government Palace in Dili with the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, as part of the latter’s first official visit to Timor-Leste.
Photo source:Government of TImor-Leste
The visit, the first by a Singaporean Prime Minister to the country, also included the awarding of the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the highest honour bestowed by the Timorese State, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between Timor-Leste and Singapore, including Singapore’s support for Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.
Photo source:Prime Minister's Office Singapore
The visit comes at a particularly significant time, following Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th ASEAN Member State, and follows up on the official visit made by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to Singapore in July 2025. The talks focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, preparing Timor-Leste for full participation in ASEAN, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration in investment, labour mobility, education, health, the blue economy, connectivity, and human capital development.
During the bilateral meeting, the two Heads of Government explored ways to elevate cooperation between the two countries. They agreed to strengthen political dialogue by signing a memorandum of understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, to reinforce Singapore’s support for Timor-Leste in ASEAN by expanding the Enhanced Singapore–Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (e-STARS) program, and to deepen cooperation in the economic, educational, and health sectors. The meeting also provided an opportunity to highlight Singapore’s decision to open certain sectors of its economy to Timorese workers, establishing new opportunities for labour mobility.
Photo source:Government of TImor-Leste
At the joint press conference, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão thanked Singapore for its continued support for Timor-Leste’s regional integration and stated that “Singapore has been a trusted partner and a friend of Timor-Leste. It has supported our people, our institutions, and our preparations for ASEAN membership.” He added that “Timor-Leste looks forward to building on the outcomes of this visit, including in the areas of cooperation within ASEAN, labour mobility, education, health, investment, connectivity, and regional affairs.”
Photo source:Government of TImor-Leste
When asked about the priorities for future cooperation between the two countries, the Timorese Head of Government highlighted human resource development as one of the country’s main challenges, stating that “our main challenge continues to be human resources” and that “I cannot say that one [area] takes priority over the others. “They are all equally important.” He also noted that the agreement signed by the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs will enable deeper collaboration across various sectors.
Regarding the opening of Singapore’s labour market to Timorese citizens, the Prime Minister emphasised that “this is an important announcement made today by the Prime Minister. It represents a very significant development in relations between our two countries,” adding that this measure will allow Timorese workers to acquire skills and professional experience, thereby contributing to national development upon their return to Timor-Leste.
Lawrence Wong described his visit to Dili as historic, stating, “This is my first visit to Timor-Leste. It is the first visit by a Singaporean Prime Minister to Timor-Leste. And it takes place during Timor-Leste’s first year as a full member of ASEAN.” He also emphasised that “Singapore feels privileged to be able to accompany Timor-Leste on its journey of nation-building”. He recalled that his country’s support began even before the restoration of national independence.
The Head of the Singaporean Government also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste in this new phase of its regional integration, stating that “Singapore will continue to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN” and announcing the expansion of the e-STARS program to support preparations for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2029.
Regarding the labour mobility program, Lawrence Wong described it as “a win-win initiative,” adding that “Timor-Leste is a young nation, but we believe it has enormous potential for development and growth. Singapore will do its part to help Timor-Leste succeed. Because a strong Timor-Leste contributes to a strong ASEAN.”
Before the bilateral meeting, the Prime Minister of Singapore was welcomed by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, at the Presidential Palace. On that occasion, the Head of State awarded Lawrence Wong the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste. In his remarks, the President stated that the award “recognises his strong commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Singapore and Timor-Leste.” He also emphasised that, “under his leadership, bilateral relations have advanced significantly, particularly concerning institutional development, human resource capacity building, and Timor-Leste’s regional integration.”
José Ramos-Horta also emphasised that “Singapore has been a steadfast partner in our nation-building journey” and expressed his conviction that “this visit will open new and exciting chapters in our bilateral ties and further strengthen the friendship between our nations and our peoples.”
As part of the official visit, an official luncheon was also hosted by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
