𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧, 𝟐𝟖 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 — H.E. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 25𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝑺𝑬𝑨𝑵–𝑬𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 (𝑨𝑬𝑴𝑴) held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

The Meeting brought together Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and the European Union to reaffirm their longstanding partnership of nearly five decades, anchored in shared values of multilateralism, international law, and a rules-based international order.

During the Ministerial discussions, Minister Bendito underscored Timor-Leste’s strong commitment as ASEAN’s newest Member State and expressed deep appreciation for the continued support of ASEAN and the European Union in advancing Timor-Leste’s post-accession integration and capacity-building efforts.

The Meeting highlighted the robust progress of ASEAN–EU cooperation, particularly under the ASEAN–EU Plan of Action (2023–2027), including key initiatives in sustainable connectivity, digital transformation, green transition, education, and trade and investment cooperation.

Minister Bendito emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening ASEAN–EU cooperation in critical areas such as:

• Economic cooperation and trade integration, including resilient supply chains and digital economy development

• Energy security and green transition, particularly in accelerating renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure

• Maritime cooperation and Indo-Pacific engagement, aligned with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific

• Human capital development, including higher education and technical and vocational training

The Meeting also reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN and the European Union to peace, security, and stability, including adherence to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

On regional and global issues, ASEAN and the EU exchanged views on pressing challenges, reiterating the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation.

The Joint Ministerial Statement further welcomed Timor-Leste’s participation as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and reaffirmed continued support for its full integration into the ASEAN Community.

As ASEAN and the European Union prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their Dialogue Relations in 2027, Minister Bendito reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to contribute as a constructive, principled, and forward-looking partner, advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.