F-FDTL personnel participate in a joint weapons training exercise aimed at enhancing operational skills and defence cooperation. (Wikimedia/Petty Officer 1st Class Rosalie Chang)
On July 28, the Timor-Leste Government approved a new defence cooperation framework and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Portugal, formalising bilateral efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and deepen strategic cooperation over the next four years.
Signed in Lisbon last week, the 2025–2028 Framework Programme for Defence Cooperation covers the Portuguese Ministry of Defence’s capacity-building mission in Timor-Leste.
The framework programme seeks to enhance bilateral defence cooperation through political and strategic dialogue while strengthening the institutional, technical and operational capabilities of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL). It provides for joint training, education and human resource development in both countries, alongside cooperation in military health, maritime security, command and control, situational awareness, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, crisis management and disaster response. It also promotes dialogue on maritime security and supports trilateral cooperation with other states and international, regional and sub-regional organisations.
The Council of Ministers also approved an MoU proposed by Timorese Defence Minister Donaciano do Rosário Gomes to expand Portugal’s long-standing capacity-building mission in Timor-Leste. The agreement will broaden Portuguese advisory support while advancing the training, education and professional development of F-FDTL personnel.
Crucially, the two countries will cooperate in military higher education, military health, command and control, situational awareness, and the development of naval, land and air capabilities. It also covers defence materiel, equipment and infrastructure based on jointly agreed priorities, while allowing for additional capacity-building initiatives to support the continued modernisation of Timor-Leste’s defence sector.
The agreements are consistent with Dili’s broader defence priorities outlined by Timorese Defence Minister Gomes during the 2025 G7+ Ministerial Meeting, Timor-Leste declared its aim to build a modern and professional F-FDTL capable of responding to emerging security challenges while contributing to peacebuilding, disaster response and regional stability.
The approval of the defence cooperation framework and capacity-building MoU reinforces Portugal’s long-standing role in supporting Timor-Leste’s defence development. By prioritising military education, advisory support and institutional capacity over defence acquisitions, the agreements strengthen the professionalisation of the F-FDTL while expanding cooperation in strategic fronts.
The partnership also comes as Timor-Leste prepares for full ASEAN membership, where stronger defence capabilities and international cooperation could enhance its participation in regional security dialogues and practical cooperation on shared challenges, including maritime security and disaster response.
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