Australia and Timor-Leste strengthen Defence partnerships

Australia and Timor-Leste have signed a new bilateral Defence Cooperation Framework, reinforcing both countries’ shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity in our region.

FILE PHOTO: A traditional sailing vessel is watched over by the statue of Jesus in Dilli harbour. ADF photo.

The Defence Cooperation Framework was signed on 22 October 2026 in Dili by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.

Mr Marles said the framework built on a defence relationship spanning decades and reflected the close and enduring partnership between the two countries, founded on a shared history, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people connections in order to facilitate closer practical defence collaboration. 

“Australia and Timor-Leste will continue to deepen cooperation across a range of areas, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, specialist capability development, infrastructure and English language training.

“The new framework will modernise defence cooperation and provide a contemporary foundation for closer collaboration on shared security priorities and demonstrates the shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for the future.

“It will also strengthen the longstanding Defence Cooperation Program, which has partnered with the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) and Ministry of Defence since 2002, and builds on the ambitions outlined in the Parseria Joint Declaration, signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Gusmão in January 2026.”

Mr Marles said Australia and Timor-Leste were close neighbours, trusted partners and longstanding friends.

“The signing of the Defence Cooperation Framework with Timor-Leste marks an important milestone in our defence relationship and provides a modern foundation for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

“Australia is proud to be Timor-Leste’s largest defence and security partner, and we remain committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s defence capability.

“Together, we are strengthening our ability to work together to respond to shared security challenges, support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and promote a peaceful, stable and resilient region.”

Over the next five years, Australia will support initiatives to strengthen Timor-Leste’s cyber security and disaster response capabilities and expand the Timor-Leste Police Development Program.  

The package will also support Timor-Leste’s regional engagement as ASEAN’s newest member.

These initiatives include:

• Cyber security uplift: Support to strengthen Timor-Leste’s cyber security capabilities through specialist advisers, cyber incident response support and enhanced protection of critical systems and infrastructure.
• Maritime policing vessels: New vessels for the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) to patrol Timor-Leste’s waters for maritime security, marine search and rescue and countering transnational crime.  
• Digital forensics: Support for the development of digital forensics capabilities to strengthen Timor-Leste’s national policing agencies’ ability to investigate cybercrime and disrupt scam centre operations.
• Disaster response: Measures to strengthen Timor-Leste’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, including through closer integration with ASEAN and Australian disaster response systems.

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