During a reception at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace following the credential presentation, Ambassador Dam conveyed greetings from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam to President Jose Ramos-Horta.

The ambassador emphasized that the September 22 meeting between the two leaders in New York, held on the sidelines of the High-Level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, consolidated political trust and added fresh impetus to bilateral ties.

President Ramos-Horta praised the positive development of relations and expressed confidence that Ambassador Dam will make considerable contributions to deepening cooperation.

The President noted that Timor Leste highly values Vietnam's development achievements, seeing the country's experience as an important reference and source of inspiration for its own national development.

Human resource development emerged as a key area where Timor Leste seeks enhanced cooperation. President Ramos-Horta asked for continued Vietnamese support and experience-sharing in workforce training, while proposing an increase in scholarships for officials, students, and trainees from Timor Leste in public administration, engineering, and agriculture.

On this occasion, the President extended an invitation for high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to visit Timor Leste at a convenient time.

Ambassador Dam affirmed that he will work closely with Timor Leste agencies and partners during his tenure to strengthen friendship and foster substantive, effective cooperation, delivering practical benefits to the people and business communities of both nations.

The ambassador confirmed that Vietnam stands ready to share development experience and assist Timor Leste in integrating deeply and effectively into ASEAN, particularly as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

Both sides agreed to boost consultation, coordination, and mutual support within ASEAN, the United Nations, and regional and international forums.

The expansion of diplomatic presence takes place amid frequent high-level exchanges. The two nations established diplomatic relations on July 28, 2002, while the Vietnamese Embassy in Timor Leste commenced operations in April 2026.

Most recently, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao paid an official visit to Vietnam in June 2026, followed by the meeting between Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and President Jose Ramos-Horta in New York in September 2026.

The accreditation of Vietnam's first ambassador ahead of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 provides a solid foundation for both countries to expand cooperation across economics, trade, investment, agriculture, food security, human resource development, digital transformation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Inauguration of new office marks milestone in Vietnam - Timor-Leste ties

VOV.VN - The Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste officially opened its office in the capital city of Dili on July 15, marking its transition to fully functional, centralized operations just over three months after its establishment.

Vietnam, Timor-Leste expand cooperation in food security, fisheries

VOV.VN - Chargé d'Affaires of Vietnam to Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam held a working session with Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes in Dili on July 20 to discuss measures to advance cooperation in food security, rural development, sustainable marine resource management, and human resource training.