UAE and Timor-Leste Discuss Strengthening Economic and Diplomatic Cooperation

H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, met with H.E. Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Indonesia and Non-Resident Ambassador to Timor-Leste, in Dili during the Ambassador’s visit to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the student accommodation project and celebrations marking the 24th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s independence.

H.E. AlDhaheri congratulated the leadership, government and people of Timor-Leste on the occasion, commending the country’s progress and reaffirming the UAE’s importance attached to its relations with Timor-Leste. He also expressed the UAE’s appreciation for Timor-Leste’s supportive positions, including its condemnation of the Iranian attacks. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed his country’s continued support for the UAE, commending the resilience of its leadership, government and people and their commitment to international obligations despite current challenges.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and investment cooperation, with H.E. AlDhaheri underscoring the importance of expediting the completion of agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investment. The Deputy Prime Minister said he had instructed the Minister of Finance to accelerate the submission of the two agreements to Parliament for approval, stressing that he was personally following up on the matter. The meeting also addressed cooperation in training Timorese diplomatic personnel. H.E. AlDhaheri noted that Timor-Leste’s request is currently under consideration by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, with a view to potentially signing a bilateral agreement in this field during the second half of 2026.