Seoul, www.news-viptv.com – A new chapter in Timor-Leste–South Korea relations is taking shape following a high-level summit in Seoul, where President José Ramos-Horta and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to deepen cooperation through three new agreements covering diplomatic consultations, intellectual property, and police cooperation. Beyond these agreements, the two leaders are also setting their sights on broader opportunities in investment, employment, education, and technology, strengthening a partnership that could play an important role in Timor-Leste’s economic development and its growing engagement within ASEAN.
The official summit took place at the Blue House in Seoul on November 6, 2026, as part of President Ramos-Horta’s state visit to the Republic of Korea.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen their longstanding friendship and expand bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
President Ramos-Horta expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of South Korea for their longstanding support for Timor-Leste, from the country’s transition to independence to its ongoing development efforts.
He particularly acknowledged the contribution of Korean peacekeeping forces, especially the Sangusuer Unit, which served alongside the United Nations during Timor-Leste’s transition to independence.
Ramos-Horta emphasized that the friendship between the two countries dates back to before the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 2002 and continues to provide a strong foundation for their partnership.
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta walks alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during the official state visit in Seoul, South Korea, on November 6, 2026. The visit reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Photo: Media PR
During his remarks, President Ramos-Horta highlighted the achievements of the employment programme in South Korea, which has provided opportunities for more than 7,000 young Timorese to work and gain international professional experience.
He expressed pride in the programme and called for further expansion to create more employment opportunities for Timor-Leste’s younger generation.
“Timor-Leste and Korea share a special friendship that began even before our diplomatic relations in 2002. We remain deeply grateful for the Korean peacekeeping forces, particularly the Sangusuer Unit, which served alongside the United Nations during our transition to independence. I am proud that the employment programme I initially championed has benefited more than 7,000 young Timorese, and I hope we can expand it further,” Ramos-Horta said.
He also described South Korea’s transformation through peace, education, and innovation as an inspiration for Timor-Leste.
The President noted that Timor-Leste has consolidated its democracy since restoring independence and has recently become ASEAN’s 11th member.
One of the major outcomes of the summit was the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving government ministries and institutions from both countries.
The agreements cover three key areas:
1. Establishment of Bilateral Consultations
The agreement was signed by Timor-Leste’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, and South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun.
The MoU establishes a framework for regular bilateral consultations to strengthen diplomatic communication, coordination, and discussions on matters of mutual interest.
2. Comprehensive Cooperation in Intellectual Property
The agreement was signed by Timor-Leste’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, and South Korea’s Minister of Intellectual Property, Kim Yong-sun.
The agreement aims to strengthen intellectual property protection and cooperation through institutional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity development.
3. Police Cooperation Arrangement
The agreement was signed by Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) Deputy Commander-General, Assistant Police Commissioner Natercia Eufrasia Soares Martins, and South Korea’s National Police Agency Acting Commissioner-General, Kim Jong-chul.
The arrangement provides a framework for strengthening police cooperation, particularly in security coordination and addressing transnational crime.
These three agreements are expected to provide a stronger institutional foundation for cooperation between Timor-Leste and South Korea.
Beyond the three agreements, investment and economic development featured prominently in discussions between the two leaders.
President Ramos-Horta expressed his interest in attracting greater South Korean investment to Timor-Leste, particularly in strategic sectors that could support national development.
He highlighted potential South Korean participation in the Greater Sunrise project, development initiatives along Timor-Leste’s southern coast, and partnerships with South Korean universities.
Ramos-Horta also emphasized the importance of drawing on South Korea’s experience in science, technology, innovation, and economic transformation to support Timor-Leste’s development ambitions.
In addition, he proposed exploring the possibility of establishing a Kim Dae-jung Studies Centre in Timor-Leste to promote education, academic exchanges, and knowledge-sharing between the two countries.
The President also acknowledged South Korea’s development cooperation, particularly through the Korean Embassy in Dili and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION REMAIN KEY PRIORITIES
Employment cooperation was another important issue discussed during the summit.
South Korea’s employment programme has provided opportunities for thousands of Timorese citizens to work abroad, gain professional experience, and improve their livelihoods.
President Ramos-Horta expressed hope that this cooperation could be further strengthened through the Employment Permit System, expanded Korean-language education, and human resource development.
Both countries also highlighted the importance of expanding educational opportunities and partnerships between academic institutions to improve the skills and capabilities of Timor-Leste’s younger generation.
Such cooperation is expected to help prepare a more competitive workforce as Timor-Leste advances its economic development and regional integration.
STRONGER COOPERATION ON ASEAN AND REGIONAL ISSUES
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation on regional and international issues, particularly in relation to ASEAN.
Both countries committed to working closely on Timor-Leste’s preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, as well as the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit.
Cooperation will also be expanded in areas including climate change and intellectual property.
The leaders discussed pursuing a Climate Change Cooperation Agreement and cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, alongside efforts to conclude a Framework Agreement on Grant Aid.
On security, both governments agreed to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime through the newly concluded technical arrangement on police cooperation.
They also committed to establishing regular bilateral consultation mechanisms and exploring a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
During discussions on international developments, President Ramos-Horta shared his perspectives on several major geopolitical issues, including the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution in promoting regional and international stability.
Ramos-Horta also expressed full support for South Korea’s efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation.
The official summit concluded with a joint press conference between President José Ramos-Horta and President Lee Jae Myung.
The state visit represents another important step in strengthening diplomatic relations and friendship between Timor-Leste and South Korea.
The two countries are also preparing to mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027.
With three new cooperation agreements and a shared commitment to expanding strategic partnerships, Timor-Leste and South Korea are seeking to build a stronger relationship that can contribute to sustainable development, economic opportunities, and greater prosperity for both nations.
