Australia and Timor-Leste Deepen Security Ties with US$43.6 Million Commitment

DILI,  WWWNEWS-VIPTV, October 21, 2026 — Timor-Leste and Australia have strengthened their strategic partnership in defence and security through the signing of a new Defense Cooperation Framework and the announcement of an Australian support package worth AUD$62 million, equivalent to approximately US$43.6 million, over five years.

The framework was signed by Timor-Leste Prime Minister and Acting Defence Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at office of the Ministry of Defence in Fatuhada, Dili, on Wednesday.

The agreement covers military capacity development, maritime security, cybersecurity, law enforcement and disaster preparedness.

The five-year support package will priorities cybersecurity, maritime capabilities, digital forensic investigations and disaster management. It also includes three patrol boats for the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) Maritime Unit, together with specialized training for personnel.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão described Australia as an important partner in Timor-Leste’s development. He highlighted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit in January 2026 as an important foundation for strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

The new framework will expand cooperation in military training and education, defense capacity development, joint exercises, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster management.

Xanana expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support for the development of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), particularly in training, education and technical assistance.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation in combating illegal fishing, which threatens Timor-Leste’s marine resources and national revenue.

In the area of internal security, Xanana welcomed additional Australian support for the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC), cybersecurity initiatives and the development of PNTL capabilities.

The three patrol boats and specialized training are expected to strengthen maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations and responses to transnational crime.

Australia will also support improvements to PNTL operational centers at national and municipal levels, alongside initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Xanana emphasized that military training and capacity-building are not solely intended to prepare forces for conflict, but also to enable them to serve and protect the population, particularly during natural disasters and maritime security operations.

He also thanked Australia for supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and its regional integration efforts. As Timor-Leste prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, he said continued cooperation with Australia would remain important, including in organizational planning and security preparations.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles described the signing as an honour and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to its longstanding defense partnership with Timor-Leste.

Marles said the framework would strengthen defense coordination, training and education, including joint military exercises involving Australian personnel and the F-FDTL.

He added that the support package would help improve Timor-Leste’s cybersecurity capabilities, strengthen PNTL maritime operations and develop digital forensic investigation capacity to help law enforcement agencies combat cybercrime.

Australia will also provide assistance for disaster preparedness and management to strengthen Timor-Leste’s ability to respond to emergencies.

Marles described the agreement as an important milestone in bilateral relations, giving practical substance to commitments made by the two countries’ prime ministers earlier this year.

He reaffirmed that Timor-Leste remained an important neighbour and partner for Australia, with both countries sharing a common history, interests and future.

The signing of the Defense Cooperation Framework and announcement of the five-year support package mark a further step in strengthening Australia–Timor-Leste relations, with a focus on defence capacity, maritime security, cybersecurity and disaster preparedness.