New Zealand and Timor-Leste Renew Defence Partnership

Defence Minister Chris Penk and Timor-Leste Defence Minister Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosario da Costa Gomes signed the agreement during a virtual meeting earlier this month.

New Zealand and Timor-Leste have signed an updated Defence Cooperation Arrangement, strengthening military ties and setting the direction for future collaboration between the two countries. Defence Minister Chris Penk and Timor-Leste Defence Minister Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosario da Costa Gomes signed the agreement during a virtual meeting earlier this month.

Penk said the update was timely, noting that the previous arrangement had remained unchanged for 15 years despite significant shifts in the global security landscape. The revised agreement provides a renewed framework for defence engagement and reflects the evolving priorities of both nations. The arrangement builds on an existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and reaffirms a shared commitment to maintaining close defence cooperation.

Focus on training, maritime security and disaster response

The updated arrangement outlines several key areas where the two countries will continue working together.

These include military training and education programmes, capacity-building initiatives, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation, maritime security efforts and the exchange of specialist expertise across a range of defence-related fields.

Officials say the agreement will support stronger institutional links between defence organisations while creating new opportunities for personnel development and knowledge sharing.

The arrangement also aims to deepen the broader bilateral relationship at a time when regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important across the Indo-Pacific.

Historic ties continue to shape future cooperation

New Zealand and Timor-Leste share a defence relationship that stretches back nearly three decades. In 1999, New Zealand contributed peacekeepers to international efforts that helped stabilise Timor-Leste during a crucial period in its history leading to independence. Penk said that contribution remains a source of pride for New Zealand and continues to serve as a foundation for the strong partnership that exists today.

The Defence Minister also welcomed Timor-Leste's emergence as the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), describing it as an opportunity to further strengthen regional engagement and cooperation. He said the updated agreement provides a modern framework for the defence relationship to continue growing while supporting shared priorities and mutual interests in security, resilience and regional stability. The signing marks another step in the ongoing partnership between the two countries as they work together on defence, security and humanitarian challenges in the years ahead.