On 21 June 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed and had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, during the latter’s first official visit to Thailand during 20 - 21 June 2024.  

Both sides were pleased with the close relations and friendship between Thailand and Timor-Leste, and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, especially military-to-military cooperation, United Nations peacekeeping operation, military education, and the role of Thailand’s as a steadfast development partner of Timor-Leste in areas like public health, education, agriculture, human resource development, and public services.

Both sides also discussed about increasing trade and investment cooperation, as well as supporting Thai private sector to invest more in Timor-Leste in various potential areas, such as agriculture and food security, tourism, and fishery. The Thai Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s support for the effort of Timor-Leste towads full ASEAN membership.

Following the bilateral meeting, both Ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Visa Exemption for Tourism Purposes for Holders of Ordinary Passports for up to 30 days, which will further promote tourism between the two countries.

H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted a welcoming luncheon in honour of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.