Our relationship with Timor-Leste
New Zealand has a warm relationship with Timor-Leste. We made a significant defence and security contribution to Timor-Leste’s establishment as a new nation from 1999 to 2002, and following the internal conflict of 2006. As the security situation has improved, our military and police are less involved and the focus has turned to supporting Timor-Leste’s growth into a stable, democratic and prosperous nation.
Our relationship includes a programme of development assistance and emerging two-way trade and economic links. We encourage New Zealand businesses to pursue opportunities in Timor-Leste, and support Timor-Leste to identify and develop economically sustainable industries in sectors where it has competitive advantage. Timor-Leste is increasing its own engagement in New Zealand and opened an embassy in Wellington in 2014.
Timor-Leste is a respected voice for post-conflict states in the multilateral arena. The country has applied for ASEAN membership and formally declared its wish to join the Commonwealth in 2013.
Defence and policing
Following the 1999 referendum that led to the restoration of independence, New Zealand Defence and Police personnel were deployed to Timor-Leste in significant numbers. Since the withdrawal of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) in December 2012 and the withdrawal of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in March 2013, our Defence and Police presence has reduced significantly.
Two NZDF personnel are deployed with the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-leste (F-FDTL, Timor-Leste Defence Force) providing strategic and logistics advice to the Timorese military. Three police officers are based there long-term under the bilateral Timor-Leste Community Policing Programme.
Trade
2019 statistics
|
Total trade
|
$2 million
|
|
|
Exports to Timor-Leste
|
US $1.89 million |
Top exports: meat and dairy, electrical machinery
|
|
Imports from Timor-Leste
|
US $168,000
|
Top imports: Tea, Coffee, Mate and spices |
|
GDP
|
US$2.58 billion
|
|
| GDP per capita |
US$2,036 |
|
| GDP growth |
0.87% |
|
Aid
The New Zealand Aid Programme works with Timor-Leste to support the development of a sustainable and growing economy. Together we're focused on private sector development, education and training, and security and justice.
Find out more about our aid programme in Timor-Leste
Embassies
- New Zealand is represented in Timor-Leste by the New Zealand Embassy, Dili
- Timor-Leste is represented in New Zealand by the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Welington
Recent official visits
New Zealand to Timor-Leste
- September 2019: Minister for Defence Ron Mark attended the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) taskforce.
- August 2019: Minister for Transport Phil Twyford attended the 20th Anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Independence Referendum.
- May 2017: Minister for Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell attended the Timor-Leste Presidential Inauguration and independence celebrations.
Timor-Leste to New Zealand
- February 2017: Prime Minister HE Dr Rui Maria de Araujo visited New Zealand, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hernani Coelho and Interior Minister Longuinhos Monteiro
- March 2016: Visit to New Zealand by the Prime Minister’s Fellow for Timor-Leste, Former President and Prime Minister HE Jose Ramos-Horta
