(AseanAll)  — President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta received a high-level European Union delegation at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on May 28, 2026, led by Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, alongside European Investment Bank representative Sunita Liko. 

During the cordial meeting, the EU delegation formally congratulated the Head of State and the nation on 24 years of independence and praised Timor-Leste’s ongoing progress toward full accession to ASEAN.

The discussions focused on deepening the long-standing bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and the European Union. The European Union reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the nation’s economic development and ASEAN integration, with specific emphasis on advancing forestry, digitalization, and the green transition. The EU representatives assured the President that they will continue to stand as a close ally, providing crucial project support, technical assistance, and financial loans to ensure Timor-Leste fulfills its destiny as a full ASEAN member.

As a tangible next step in this enduring alliance, the delegation outlined preparations for the upcoming cooperation cycle. This includes the immediate signing of new strategic agreements focused on digitalizing the justice sector and providing micro-economic support, which will be formalized in collaboration with the First Vice-Prime Minister and the Ministry of Justice.