𝑇𝑜𝑘𝑦𝑜, 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛, 14 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ 2026

His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, participated in the Indo-Pacific Energy Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM), held in Tokyo, Japan, bringing together Ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders to discuss regional cooperation on energy security, investment, and reliable energy supply across the Indo-Pacific.

During the Ministerial session, Minister Monteiro delivered Timor-Leste’s intervention highlighting the country’s priorities in advancing the development of its natural gas resources and strengthening energy infrastructure, while contributing to reliable and diversified energy supply for the region. Ministers at the Forum discussed key priorities including ensuring reliable energy for economic growth, strengthening supply chains and energy infrastructure, and enabling trade and investment to support long-term energy security in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions also reaffirmed the importance of reliable, affordable, and secure energy supply to meet the region’s growing demand and support economic development.

On the margins of the Forum, Minister Monteiro held several bilateral meetings with key partners. His Excellency met with the Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources of Australia, where discussions continued on cooperation in the energy sector and ongoing engagement related to the development of the Greater Sunrise project.

The Minister also met with His Excellency Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, to exchange views on regional energy cooperation and opportunities for collaboration among ASEAN members.

Further meetings were held with Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Tommy Joyce, Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs of the United States Department of Energy. These discussions focused on strengthening partnerships on energy security, investment, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Monteiro reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to support reliable energy supply, attract investment, and contribute to a stable and resilient energy future for the Indo-Pacific.