Timor-Leste Ratify Cooperation Agreement with Malaysia in the Area of ​​Defense

DILI, www.news-viptv.com – Recognizing Malaysia’s role as Timor-Leste’s reliable defense partner since the restoration of independence, the Government of Timor-Leste will ratify the Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Government of Malaysia.

Ratification of this agreement has been accepted by the Council of Ministers at the meeting on Tuesday (4/11/2025), presented by the Minister of Defense, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, the Council of Ministers decided to ratify the Cooperation Agreement in the Area of ​​Defense between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

In a press release accessed by the editorial staff, among the main objectives of the Agreement are to strengthen bilateral relations in the military area, especially through regular political-strategic dialogue, sharing information and experiences, personal exchange and technical and military training, conducting joint exercises and cooperation in the area of ​​science, technology, and industry

“The commitment of the two Governments to promote regional peace, security and stability within ASEAN, of which Timor-Leste is now a full member,” the statement said.

Defense cooperation between the two countries was also strengthened in the joint statement on point number 13, when PM Anwar Ibrahim visited Timor-Leste on 23-24 September, which said Malaysia reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Timor-Leste Defence Forces through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP), with the objective of advancing defence cooperation, in line with the Defence White Paper’s framework of Credible Partnerships. Both Leaders look forward to the signing of the MoU on Defence Cooperation in the near future, which will pave the way for greater collaboration. On defence industry cooperation, both Leaders agreed for both countries to actively continue their engagements at the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA), and Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), in line with the Defence White Paper’s emphasis on fostering strategic industrial partnerships to enhance mutual capacity and resilience.