The Government of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the Government of Australia, officially launched the 5th International Conference of Friendship Groups 10 to 11 July 2025 at the Nobre Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili, Timor-Leste.
The opening ceremony was officiated by His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, His Excellency the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, and Her Excellency the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson. The event brought together leaders from national, municipal authorities, administrative posts, civil society organizations, and local communities from both countries.
The main objective of the conference was to strengthen the bonds of friendship between municipal councils and communities in Australia and those in Timor-Leste. It also aimed to reinforce people-to-people and government-to-government connections, foster deeper engagement at the local level, and support mutual understanding and collaboration.
In addition, the conference sought to create new opportunities for the establishment of Friendship Groups, particularly for Administrative Posts in Timor-Leste that have not yet formed partnerships. These new relationships are expected to empower local communities to play a more active role in the decentralization process and to learn from the experiences of existing Friendship Networks.
“This conference brings together representatives from the City Councils of New South Wales, Canberra, Victoria, and Darwin with the aim of fostering friendship, sharing experiences, and promoting new forms of cooperation between local institutions of the two countries. It will also serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange, highlighting the historical ties between Timor-Leste and Australian communities, and recognizing the vital role that connections between local communities play in strengthening solidarity and advancing sustainable development,” said the Minister of Stated Administration Tomás do Rosário Cabral
“This conference brings together more than 200 people, from 20 friendship groups, who have been working together for a long time - in some cases for more than 20 years. The conference is a great opportunity for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences, and identifying key development priorities through dialogue between communities, and community groups from Timor-Leste and Australia. It marks a further significant step in our partnership, and builds on the strong reservoir of solidarity, cooperation, and shared experiences between our two countries.
I am very happy to see these long-term friendships and people-to-people links continue to build and grow at the community level. It is a testament to the long history of collaboration and partnership between Timorese and Australian people,” said the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson.
For further information please contact:
Mr. Alberto Neves – Ministry of State Administration - 75431420
Australian Embassy: [email protected]
PARTISIPA: [email protected]