7 February 2023
The Northern Territory is further strengthening ties with Timor-Leste with the signing of a 4-year Strategic Partnership Agreement, boosting business and trade opportunities between our jurisdictions.
Timor-Leste is identified as a priority country in the Northern Territory International Engagement Strategy.
The Strategy outlines the Territory Government's plan to be the preferred partner for business, in an intensely competitive and rapidly evolving global market.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement 2023-2027 builds on the previous agreement and reinforces the strong relationship between Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory.
This agreement implements a new strategic framework for bilateral cooperation between the Timor-Leste Government and the Northern Territory Government, and will also complement the Australian Government's aid program.
Under the agreement, Plans of Action will identify initiatives to support education, business and workforce, trade and investment, tourism, emergency preparedness, agriculture, health, sports, arts and culture.
These initiatives reflect our regions shared commitment to cooperation and exchange and will add to our growing bilateral relationship.
The Northern Territory Government welcomes the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement and will work with Timor-Leste to identify further strategic priorities.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"It has been a great honour to welcome His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak back to Darwin, Timor-Leste is an important partner and Dili is our closet international capital.
This agreement represents a strong mutual commitment to the future of Timor-Leste and Northern Territory relations.
I look forward to working together and expanding our bilateral relationship, and creating stronger ties in our region."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Northern Australia and Trade, Nicole Manison:
"This signing further strengthens the Territory's relationship with Timor-Leste and promotes future growth across key sectors for the mutual benefit of our citizens and communities.
In 2022, the value of exports to Timor-Leste from the Northern Territory was $16 million, and I look forward to this growing in the future.
The Northern Territory is the only Australian jurisdiction with a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Timor-Leste, which highlights the importance of our relationship."
Northern Territory Government
