Anzac delegation rounds off Pacific tour with constructive Timor-Leste visit

The two chiefs met with senior Ministry of Defence and Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) members to discuss shared security priorities and long-standing partnership and cooperation programmes. These included ways to continue to support and strengthen F-FDTL, which in turn provides valuable insight and lessons for both the Australian and New Zealand armies.

The delegation also met with Australian Defence Cooperation Program (ADCP) and New Zealand Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP) personnel, which have been long-standing commitments in the country. 

“Timor-Leste is an important security partner to both Australia and New Zealand. Our shared history and commitment to a peaceful, stable region is at the core of our growing friendship. It’s been great to reconnect with old friends, and I look forward to continuing our shared journey together, for the collective benefit of our region,” said Lieutenant General Stuart. 

The delegation also visited locations of Australian- and New Zealand-funded activities in Timor-Leste, including at Metinaro Military Base. 

“New Zealand has been a steadfast supporter of Timor-Leste since independence. It has been incredibly valuable to be able to make this trip shoulder-to-shoulder with our Australian colleagues, and in particular to listen to the progress made, and exciting plans for defence in this part of our region. We were asked at various points to help inspire the F-FDTL to get after their ambitions, but I believe it’s us who are leaving inspired – by the passion, commitment and values shown by our comrades here, which they have managed to foster in their relative short journey so far,” said Major General King. 

Discussions also covered a number of upcoming exercises and planned cooperation between F-FDTL, Australia and New Zealand, including a joint exercise held in Timor-Leste later this year which also includes the USA and Japan.

There were also positive discussions around assisting the F-FDTL to be able to realise a key ambition of theirs to further contribute to United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.

Lieutenant General Stuart and Major General King both laid a wreath at the New Zealand Embassy to honour those who have served and fallen in Timor-Leste.

“I’m privileged that this is my fourth visit to Timor-Leste, which has provided me the opportunity to witness this vibrant country’s transformation over a number of years. What is very clear to us on this trip is that they have built very strong foundations, have set clear goals, ambitions and plans, and have talented people leading the way,” said Lieutenant General Stuart.

The Timor-Leste visit follows on from the Anzac delegation visiting Fiji for a series of meetings and engagements with senior Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) members. 

“This week has not only highlighted the strength of the Australian and New Zealand alliance, but being able to share honest, valuable conversations with our friends in Fiji and here in Timor-Leste has shown us just how deep our relationships run in the region, and how aligned we are with our neighbours across the Indo-Pacific. 

“You only need to look at the world today to appreciate how valuable having these strong friendships is. We will continue to invest our time, people and resources alongside our partners and friends in the region in order to strengthen our collective stability and security going forward,” said Major General King.