Vanuatu and Timor-Leste have strengthened their bilateral relationship with the signing of a Development Cooperation Agreement and a Visa Waiver Arrangement during a ceremony in Port Vila.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Jotham Napat and President Dr. José Ramos-Horta, who is leading a Timor-Leste delegation to Vanuatu for the country’s 46th Independence celebrations.

Vanuatu’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Marc Ati, signed on behalf of the Government of Vanuatu, while Timor-Leste’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes, signed on behalf of her government.

The Development Cooperation Agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the two countries, recognising a relationship that dates back to Vanuatu’s support for the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination before Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002.

Under the agreement, both countries will strengthen cooperation in key areas including trade, education, health, agriculture, climate resilience and people-to-people exchanges. It also reaffirms their shared commitment to South-South cooperation and stronger partnerships between Pacific and Southeast Asian nations.

The two governments also signed a Visa Waiver Arrangement for holders of official and diplomatic passports, making official travel easier and supporting closer government cooperation and technical exchanges.

Prime Minister Napat and President Ramos-Horta welcomed the agreements as an important milestone reflecting the two countries’ shared history, common values and commitment to regional development.

The Government of Vanuatu said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships across the Pacific and beyond.