Vientiane,September 14 (AseanAll)  — The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, participated on September 14th, 2026, in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in the high-level segment of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, where he reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to humanitarian disarmament, the protection of civilians, and international humanitarian law.

The conference runs from September 14th to 18th, under the theme “Accelerating Progress Towards a World Free from the Threat of Cluster Munitions”, bringing together representatives of States Parties, observer countries, international organisations, and other entities involved in efforts to prevent and address the humanitarian consequences of these weapons.

Discussions focus on evaluating the Convention's implementation and on measures to accelerate the clearance of explosive ordnance, strengthen risk education, and assist victims and affected communities.

In his address, Bendito dos Santos Freitas expressed Timor-Leste’s solidarity with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and with communities affected by cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance.

The Minister also reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s determination to contribute to international efforts to promote peace, human dignity, and the protection of future generations, and called for strengthened regional and international cooperation in humanitarian disarmament.

The conference is expected to review and adopt the Vientiane Action Plan 2027–2031, which will guide the implementation of the Convention over the next five years and include measures on ordnance clearance and destruction, risk education, victim assistance, and international cooperation.

On the sidelines of the conference, Bendito dos Santos Freitas also met Vietnam’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Thi Hoang Van. Both parties reviewed the development of bilateral relations following Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s official visit to Vietnam in June this year.

During the meeting, discussions covered follow-up to the four documents signed during that visit, negotiations on the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, the status of the Bilateral Trade Agreement, and the convening of the first meeting of the Vietnam–Timor-Leste Joint Commission. Both sides also discussed preparations for the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

On the occasion of the conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation also attended the official dinner hosted by the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, for the participating delegations.

The Third Review Conference continues in Vientiane through September 18th, evaluating progress achieved and setting priorities for the next phase of the Convention’s implementation.