Australia and Timor-Leste have today signed a new bilateral Defence Cooperation Framework, reinforcing both countries' shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity in our region.
The Defence Cooperation Framework was signed in Dili by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, and Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The framework builds on a defence relationship spanning decades and reflects the close and enduring partnership 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 Xanana Gusmão in January 2026.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"Australia and Timor-Leste are 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."
