East Timor

Australia East Timor Security Energy Ties Deepen

January 27, 2026 10:26 am

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use his first official visit to East Timor on Wednesday to press for closer cooperation on security and energy, signaling Canberra’s intent to deepen ties with its northern neighbor amid regional competition and major gas development talks.

Albanese is due to address East Timor’s parliament in Dili, where he will highlight shared history and outline Australia’s interest in expanding collaboration beyond aid into long-term economic and strategic partnerships.

According to excerpts released ahead of the speech, Albanese will reference cooperation between Australian and Timorese forces during World War II as a foundation for future …

East Timor Joins ASEAN As 11th Member In Landmark Move

October 26, 2025 3:34 am

The tiny Southeast Asian nation of Timor‑Leste (also known as East Timor) officially became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a formal ceremony held on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. This milestone was marked by the raising of Timor-Leste’s flag alongside those of the other ten members.

This accession is more than symbolic: for Timor-Leste, it opens the door to ASEAN’s free trade deals, investment flows and membership in a regional market of some 680 million people. Despite its modest economy, estimated at around US $2 billion compared with ASEAN’s collective …