Thailand and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste have discussed increasing trade and investment cooperation, as well as supporting the Thai private sector in its efforts to invest more in Timor-Leste in various potential areas, such as agriculture and food security, tourism, and fishery.

The discussion was held between Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa and Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, who paid his first official visit to Thailand on 20-21 June 2024.

Both sides also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, especially military-to-military cooperation, United Nations peacekeeping operations, military education, and the role of Thailand as a steadfast development partner of Timor-Leste in such areas as public health, education, agriculture, human resource development, and public services.

On this occasion, the Thai and Timor-Leste foreign ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Visa Exemption for Tourism Purposes for Holders of Ordinary Passports for up to 30 days, which will further promote tourism between the two countries.

The Thai Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s support for the effort of Timor-Leste toward full ASEAN membership. Timor-Leste submitted its request to become a full member in 2011. At the 40th and 41st ASEAN summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2022, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste to be the 11th member of ASEAN. They also agreed to grant observer status to Timor-Leste and allow its participation in all ASEAN meetings, including the summit plenaries.

Thailand was among the first three countries, after China and Norway, to establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste on 20 May 2002. Although Timor-Leste is a small country, its economy is growing, and this offers good opportunities for Thai business people to invest more in Timor-Leste.