F-FDTL Strengthens Regional Military Cooperation Through Wps Course

Honolulu, WWW.NEWS-VIPTV — Timor-Leste’s Defence Force (F-FDTL) is strengthening its regional military cooperation and professional capabilities through the participation of two officers in an international Women, Peace and Security (WPS) course in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States.

The two F-FDTL representatives, Major David Santos and Captain Marquita da Cunha, are attending the course from October 5 to 16, 2026. The training is organized by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).

The program brings together 30 female and male military personnel from 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, providing a platform to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation on integrating the Women, Peace and Security agenda into the defence sector.

The course focuses on four key objectives: raising awareness of the WPS agenda and its relevance to international security; developing the skills needed to implement the agenda within defence institutions; strengthening its institutional integration; and building cooperative networks and mutual understanding among participating countries.

Through this initiative, the participation of the two F-FDTL officers offers Timor-Leste an opportunity to expand military expertise, strengthen professional relationships with international partners and contribute to regional efforts to promote women’s participation in peacebuilding and sustainable security.