Australia Signs New Defence Pact With Timor-Leste

Australia has signed a new Defence Cooperation Framework with Timor-Leste, signed in Dili by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. This agreement enhances their defense partnership, which began when Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002. The pact encompasses areas like maritime security, disaster relief, peacekeeping, infrastructure, and English-language training, with Australia reaffirming its commitment as Timor-Leste’s largest defense partner.

• Australia and Timor-Leste signed a Defence Cooperation Framework in Dili on October 22.
• The agreement covers maritime security, disaster relief, peacekeeping, infrastructure, and English-language training.
• This pact strengthens a defense partnership that started in 2002.
• Australia is Timor-Leste’s largest defense and security partner.