CNI News
20 September 2025
Timor-Leste will not permit the establishment of offices or unlawful activities by organizations opposing the Myanmar government, said Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.
He made the statement during a meeting with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Than Swe in Nay Pyi Taw on September 18, 2025.
He also suggested that a Myanmar embassy could be opened in Dili, Timor-Leste.
A delegation led by Minister Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas visited Myanmar from September 17 to 19, 2025, on an official working trip.
During the meeting between the two foreign ministers, both sides agreed to strengthen diplomatic relations in accordance with ASEAN charters, principles, and standards, and not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs, according to a press release from Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions also included the possibility of signing a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and special passports between the two countries, as well as an agreement to facilitate tourism by granting visa exemptions for visitors from both sides.
Previously, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta had said that his country recognized Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), which is fighting to topple the military-led government headed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and that NUG would be allowed to open an office in Timor-Leste.
President José Ramos-Horta made that remark when he met with NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in 2024, according to Daw Zin Mar Aung’s comments to the media.
Following that, the Myanmar military government led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing objected to Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership.
Amid these developments, after Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held talks and gained support from international leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, and Indonesian President Prabowo, Timor-Leste’s position appears to have shifted.
