European Union and Timor-Leste - Second Partnership Dialogue under the Samoa Agreement
The European Union and Timor-Leste held their second “Partnership Dialogue” under Art. 3 of the new Partnership Agreement between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU (“Samoa Agreement”) on 24 November in Brussels.
The EU and Timor-Leste took stock of bilateral cooperation since the last Partnership Dialogue meeting held in Timor-Leste in 2024 and updated each other on key developments. Both parties underlined their firm commitment to further deepening and strengthening their partnership in upholding the rules-based international order, with the UN at its core. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that multilateralism is effective and inclusive, particularly in addressing challenges related to climate change, economic uncertainties, and respective regional security.
Both sides underlined the importance of addressing the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
They also stressed the importance of economic security while fostering an ambitious green and resilient transition within their borders and globally.
Timor-Leste presented the progress made on its sustainable development agenda and the priorities of the government following its accession to ASEAN on 26 October 2025. The EU reiterated its readiness to support capacity building in Timor-Leste to benefit to the fullest of its membership in ASEAN.
The Partnership Dialogue also reflected the importance that the EU and Timor-Leste attach to their shared values, including the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. Timor-Leste presented the latest progress it made in the fields of good governance and protection of human rights, in particular gender equality and combating gender-based violence.
Moreover, the EU and Timor-Leste discussed bilateral and regional development cooperation for 2021-2027 under the Global Europe Instrument (NDICI) and the perspectives under the Global Gateway strategy.
Furthermore, discussions focussed on global issues of importance including Climate Change, Environment and Ocean governance. Both sides recognised the importance of urgently implementing the COP30 results and the further shaping of a new post-2025 climate finance goal.
With regards to trade, the EU and Timor-Leste discussed the current state of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) concluded between the EU and several Pacific Island countries and the potential that it offers for Timor-Leste to increase the level of trade and investment with the EU should it pursue its interest to join.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Olof SKOOG, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, EEAS, and Hon. Bendito dos Santos FREITAS, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.