Australia Pledges Millions to Strengthen Security, Business Ties With Timor-Leste

The agreement is another step towards developing a defence treaty with the Southeast Asian nation, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2022.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili on Jan. 29, 2026 Courtesy of the Australian prime minister's office

Australia and small Southeast Asian nation of Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) have signed a new partnership agreement pledging closer economic and security cooperation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has just concluded a formal visit to Dili, where he met with President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão while addressing the country’s parliament.