Dili, November 06, 2026 (Média Democracia) – The French Government expressed its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Timor-Leste in the area of defence, especially human resources training, military training, joint exercises and naval visits, to contribute to strengthening stability and security in the Southeast Asian region and the world.
The commitment was made by the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, Fabian Penone, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defense of Timor-Leste, Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosário da Costa Gomes, known as Pedro Klamar Fuik, at the Ministry of Defence, Falida, Fali. (06/11).
Minister of Defense, Pedro Klamar Fuik, explained that the meeting focused on discussions on how France can continue to support Timor-Leste, especially in the area of security and defence, after Timor-Leste has joined ASEAN.
“The French Ambassador came to talk to me, also talk to the President of the Republic and His Excellency the Prime Minister on security and defense issues, especially to strengthen cooperation between France and Timor-Leste. As we know, France and Timor-Leste share common values. strengthen Timor-Leste’s capacity and contribute to security at the regional and global levels,” the Minister of Defense told reporters after the meeting.
He went on to say that France intends to establish cooperation in various areas, including training, military exercises, naval visits and human resource capacity development.
“France wants to support and establish cooperation through various areas, such as training, exercises, naval visits and human resource capacity building. This cooperation is not only for Timor-Leste to receive support, but Timor-Leste also has the opportunity to contribute to France. This is what they want to develop together,” he said.
The Minister of Defense also considers that Timor-Leste has an important role to play in ensuring stability and security in the Southeast Asian region.
During the meeting, they also discussed the global geopolitical and geosecurity situation that is currently facing various challenges, including conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and the Asian region.
The Minister of Defense said the complex global security situation requires countries to continue to promote dialogue and good conflict management, to avoid differences and disagreements leading to major conflict.
“The security situation in the world is very volatile. As we know, there are problems in Europe, in the Middle East and also in the Asian region. We do not want these problems to develop into conflict. Therefore, there needs to be dialogue and good management of problems to avoid conflict,” he said.
He emphasized that when conflict occurs, civilians and the population are the victims and have the greatest impact. Therefore, leaders need to find ways to solve the problem through dialogue and mutual understanding.
He affirmed that Timor-Leste remains committed to peace, stability and development, and will seek cooperation with all countries based on shared interests and commitments.
“Timor-Leste has no enemies and no special friends. All countries have equal relations with Timor-Leste, including France, the United States of America, Portugal, Indonesia and Australia. All are equal, depending on the terms of cooperation and what we can do together,” he concluded.
On the other hand, French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, Fabian Penone, said his visit to the Minister of Defense aims to discuss and find ways to strengthen cooperation between France and Timor-Leste in the future.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Defence, Pedro Klamar Fuik, for welcoming him and giving him the opportunity to discuss important issues in this courtesy meeting.
Reporting: Eatefania/Pedritu
Photo: Pedrito dos Santos