Timor-Leste Roundup: ASEAN membership, scam call centres, aviation carbon reduction

Cabinet clears 15 ASEAN agreements, sets security plan for membership events

The Council of Ministers approved 15 draft resolutions advancing Timor-Leste’s accession to key ASEAN agreements, including those on dispute settlement, privileges and immunities, customs cooperation, counter-terrorism, human trafficking prevention, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The decisions mark a major step in fulfilling the country’s ASEAN membership roadmap and securing full participation in regional mechanisms. The Council also approved a joint operational plan between the Defence Forces (F-FDTL) and National Police (PNTL) to maintain public order during major events, including ASEAN accession ceremonies and upcoming state visits. 

UN warns scam centres spreading to Timor-Leste

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that scam call centres are spreading to Timor-Leste, citing a suspected operation linked to the Oecusse free trade zone. Police raided a compound in August in the Special Administrative Region, detaining more than 30 foreigners from Indonesia, Malaysia and China for working without permission. The UNODC report said it was unclear whether the detainees were trafficked. Scam centres, often walled compounds running online fraud schemes that cost victims billions annually, have proliferated across Southeast Asia and are now emerging globally.

Indonesia helps Timor-Leste draft first aviation carbon reduction plan

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has helped Timor-Leste draft its first State Action Plan (SAP) to cut carbon emissions from international aviation. The mentoring, held in Dili from September 2 to 4 under ICAO’s SAP Buddy Program, included workshops on environmental frameworks, CORSIA implementation, and ICAO software tools. Officials said the collaboration produced an initial draft SAP, a target for submission before the 42nd ICAO Assembly, and plans for on-the-job training in Bali. Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Director General Lukman F. Laisa said the effort reflects Jakarta’s commitment to sustainable aviation and its role in supporting Timor-Leste’s compliance with global environmental standards.

Malaysia, Timor-Leste to deepen cooperation under new strategic framework

Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia by advancing a comprehensive strategic framework. Discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur focused on expanding cooperation in defence, health, and education.  At Malaysia’s recent national day celebrations in Dili, Ramos-Horta praised Malaysia’s role in supporting Timor-Leste’s pending ASEAN membership, expected to be formalised at the Kuala Lumpur Summit. He also identified opportunities for energy collaboration, including with PETRONAS, in projects such as Tasi Mane and the Greater Sunrise Gas Field. A new direct flight route between Kuala Lumpur and Dili was described as a historic milestone, enhancing connectivity.

ASEAN chief, Timor-Leste interior minister discuss crime cooperation, membership bid

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn met Timor-Leste’s Interior Minister Francisco da Costa Guterres on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in Melaka, Malaysia. The two discussed Timor-Leste’s role in contributing to regional efforts against transnational crime and supporting the work of AMMTC and its related mechanisms. Dr Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to assist Timor-Leste in its accession process as ASEAN’s 11th member state.