(AseanAll) —  The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, received the Minister from Australia’s Northern Territory, Robyn Cahill, at the Presidential Palace on July 24, 2025 for a high-level meeting aimed at deepening the already solid and historic relationship between the two neighbouring territories.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and cooperation, with an emphasis on consolidating bilateral relations in the areas of trade, workforce development, and people-to-people exchange. Both leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to a partnership focused on shared progress, built on historical ties and geographical proximity.

During the meeting, Ramos-Horta highlighted the nearly 50-year history of the Timorese diaspora in Australia as living proof of a deep and enduring connection between the peoples. Well-established areas of cooperation were highlighted, such as the labor mobility program, which has allowed Timorese citizens to acquire skills and access employment opportunities in the Northern Territory.

Another key point was the bilateral healthcare agreement, which guarantees urgent medical assistance for Timorese citizens in the city of Darwin, an essential humanitarian aspect of the collaboration between both territories.

The meeting concluded with a shared sense of optimism. Ramos-Horta and Cahill reiterated their commitment to expanding existing cooperation, with the goal of creating new opportunities and deepening reciprocal benefits. The renewed commitment aims to ensure that the partnership continues to produce concrete results and strengthen the unbreakable bond between the peoples of Timor-Leste and Australia’s Northern Territory.