Thailand and Timor-Leste have agreed to deepen economic cooperation, expand trade in agricultural and processed food products, and accelerate efforts to establish direct flights between Bangkok and Dili.
The agreements were reached during official talks between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who is visiting Bangkok for two days at Anutin’s invitation.
Anutin welcomed Gusmão, who inspected a guard of honour before the two leaders held bilateral talks at Government House. During the talks, they witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding on establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism.
Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises said the two leaders welcomed progress in bilateral relations and agreed to advance cooperation in five key areas following Timor-Leste’s admission as a full member of ASEAN last year.
The two countries agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and organise joint activities to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
They also welcomed a joint statement outlining the direction of future cooperation and the establishment of the bilateral consultation mechanism. Its first meeting is expected to take place in Timor-Leste in the near future to monitor progress and translate agreements into concrete results.
Thailand and Timor-Leste also agreed to strengthen military ties, with Thailand’s Chief of Defence Forces expected to visit Timor-Leste soon. Thailand supported peacekeeping missions in the country from 1999 to 2002 and is also supporting the INTERFET Memorial to honour international peacekeeping efforts.
Both sides further agreed to step up efforts to combat online and transnational crime through bilateral and ASEAN cooperation.
On trade, the two sides agreed to facilitate exports of Thai agricultural products and processed food to Timor-Leste and accelerate the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on rice trade. The agreement is expected to open up new market opportunities for Thai agricultural products and benefit farmers and businesses.
On transport connectivity, they agreed to expedite the finalisation of an air services agreement to pave the way for direct flights between Bangkok and Dili. The proposed route is expected to make travel easier for tourists and businesspeople, boost tourism, and create further opportunities for trade and investment.
In development cooperation, Thailand has provided more than 800 scholarships and training opportunities to personnel from Timor-Leste since 2001, according to the spokesman.
Both countries agreed to expedite the implementation of a three-year development cooperation programme for 2026-2028, focusing on sustainable agriculture, community development, public health, human resource development and capacity-building related to ASEAN.
They also highlighted a project for children and young people in Timor-Leste, implemented under the royal initiative of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at six schools. The programme promotes nutrition, health and the well-being of children and young people.
Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s full integration into the ASEAN Community and helping it build the capacity needed to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in the future.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in Myanmar. They underscored the importance of promoting Myanmar’s participation as a member of the ASEAN family while supporting positive developments in the country.
