Dili, 30 January 2024 - The Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral Donaciano da Costa Gomes 'Pedro Klamar Fuik', PhD, and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, met this Tuesday to discuss cooperation between the two countries in the area of defence and security, at the Ministry of Defence Hall in Fatuhada, Dili.

During the meeting, both parties discussed three important issues such as the defence and military cooperation agreement established by Timor-Leste and Australia. The 'guardian' class patrol boats, which Australia will offer to Timor-Leste. And the bilateral defence cooperation agreement.

The Minister of Defence, Donaciano Gomes ‘Pedro Klamar Fuik, PhD, highlighted that the significant benefits of cooperation between the two countries are that half of Timor-Leste's armed forces can speak English and interact with international forces.

"The benefit of cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia is that as a beneficial country, we see half of our armed forces speaking English. This is a great advantage for our armed forces to perform a role in the framework of the peace mission in the United Nations framework and wherever they are committed to go, which can interact well with international forces to comply with the Peace Mission when the United Nations requests our support, " said the Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral, Pedro klamar Fuik.

Another advantage of this cooperation is that Australia will provide two 'guardian' type boats to be able to conserve, defend and control marine resources, including illegal fishing. "The two boats offered by Australia are completed with a package of training to the sailors who will operate the two boats, and our sailors are qualified by the Australian government which ensures that they can operate the ship when it comes to Timor-Leste," added the Minister of Defence Pedro klamar Fuik.

The Government also highlighted that, in the early memorandum of understanding, Australia committed to providing three things such as offering boats for Timor-Leste’s military; constructing the port of the ship and building naval command to naval component. Donaciano da Costa Gomes added that he will endeavor to maintain and guarantee caring for the boats so that our friends do not lose confidence in Timor-Leste.  

On the other hand, the Minister for International and Pacific Development, and the Minister for Industry Defence, are also proud to meet with the Minister of Defence of Timor-Leste to strengthen Australia's commitment to defence cooperation.

"The themes we are talking about in today’s meeting are about defence cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia, as we know that one of the largest supports from the Australian government are defence and security and it is very vital for Timor and the Indo-Pacific and the region in general. So, we are proud to support the F-FDTL and participate in Timor-Leste's development", said Pat Conroy to the media after the meeting.

Participated in this meeting, H. E. Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral, Donaciano da Costa Gomes, PhD, head of cabinet, Mrs. Ana Carla Carrascalão Gomes, Let. General of Timor-Leste Defence Force, Domingos Raul ‘Falur Rate Laek’, Director of the formation of the IDN, Duarte Borges Loe, Colonel Marcelino Ximenes and Timor-Leste’s embassy in Australia, Mrs. Inês Almeida. while on the part of Australia participated by H.E. Minister for International Development and Pacific, Minister for Defence Industry, Honorable Pat Conroy, Australia Defence Attaché in Timor-Leste, Coronel Pembroke, Australia Ambassador for Timor-Leste, Ms Caitlin Wilson, First Secretary Defence, Mrs Jemma Malcom and Mr Nigel Bruce.

Media MD