Dili, August 17, 2026 (Media Demoracia) – Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces (XEMGFA) Lieutenant General Domingos Raul ‘Falur Rate Laek’ said the Pacific Partnership military exercise is important for FALINTIL – Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) because it increases the knowledge of military personnel.
The Pacific Partnership military exercise in Timor-Leste runs from *August 13-26, 2026* and involves naval components from five countries: Timor-Leste, United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, and Germany.
This is the 8th timePacific Partnership has been held in Timor-Leste. Its objective is for military personnel to share experiences with each other to increase knowledge, work together to respond to humanitarian disasters, and jointly ensure regional security.
“Pacific Partnership constitutes an annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness mission, and is the largest conducted in the Indo-Pacific region. Every year, this mission brings together host nations and partners in a collective effort to strengthen regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, while simultaneously contributing to the security and stability of the region and to strengthening friendship among our peoples.” said General Falur in his speech at the opening ceremony of Pacific Partnership 2026 at Campo Democracia in Dili, Thursday (13/08).
Lt. Gen. Falur said this exercise is about working together, sharing knowledge, and applying the lessons learned, with the conviction that together is the guarantee for an effective response for tomorrow.
“In Timor-Leste, the mission translates into engineering projects and civic action, humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercises, medical preparedness initiatives, and also community activities and musical performances as examples.” he said.
He added that Timor-Leste, with its vocation and history, is a home of peace, a home of unity, a home of reconciliation, and a home of friendship.
“With this spirit we continue to build partnerships that have the capacity to identify and respond to the challenges our region faces, among them climate change, cyclones and other extreme phenomena, as well as strategic dynamics whose developments are important to monitor with attention and prudence.” he stated.
The Chief of Staff emphasized that the cooperation we celebrate today is not measured only by the projects completed or the exercises conducted, but above all by the trust built between our Armed Forces and between our peoples.
“This trust allows us to look to the future with serenity and determination. Therefore, I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the United States of America and all partner nations for the commitment and friendship shown during two decades of cooperation” he affirmed.
He said he hopes this military exercise and ceremony mark, with dignity, the beginning of another chapter in this historic partnership.
In the same place, the US Chargé d’Affaires Bruce Begnell said that Pacific Partnership personnel will work together with F-FDTL, Timorese specialists, and non-profit organizations to exchange knowledge.
“Increase mutual understanding, and strengthen shared resilience and capacity to respond to disasters. Pacific Partnership reflects America’s long-term commitment to Timor-Leste and the Timorese people.” said Bruce Begnell.
He added that this year they are proud to work together with various ministries in the Government of Timor-Leste to elevate professional medical services and strengthen disaster management capacity.
“We feel honored to partner with Timorese counterparts in government, the private sector, and civil society to advance the government’s key priorities. Together, we are strengthening Timor-Leste’s capacity to respond to disasters, provide essential services, and improve quality of life for communities in this country. This mission shows that our ongoing partnership with Timor-Leste is built to last.” he said.
Also present, Commander, Logistics Western Pacific Rear Admiral Aaron Jesse Lamon Taylor said the Pacific Partnership 2026 mission, led by the US Navy, returns to Dili from August 13-26, marking the mission’s 8th visit to the country.
This year’s mission brings together military members from Timor-Leste, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and the United States of America to strengthen regional interoperability, increase disaster preparedness capabilities, and deepen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
It also highlights Timor-Leste’s recent accession in October 2025 as the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “Pacific Partnership shows what nations can achieve when we invest in relationships before disasters happen,” said Rear Admiral Taylor.
”Our return to Timor-Leste for the 8th edition reflects a friendship of more than two decades built on mutual respect and shared experiences. Every exchange during the mission’s port visit provides an opportunity to learn from each other, strengthen our collective readiness, and build the trust needed to respond together when our nations need us most” he said.
Through the US Navy’s Seabees, from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five and Amphibious Construction Battalion One, they will work with Timorese engineers to build a new 2-classroom school building at EBF Mota Ulun Primary School, plus renovate classrooms and improve facilities there.
Medical professionals will conduct knowledge exchanges in optometry, dentistry, and rehabilitation.
Disaster management specialists will lead multi-day warehouse assessments, simulation exercises, and 2 events with the Civil Protection Authority.
Pacific Partnership band will also perform at UNPAZ University, Timor Plaza Night Market, and local schools.
Through collaboration with local counterparts, Pacific Partnership builds long-term capacity, resilience, and disaster preparedness that lasts beyond the mission.
Pacific Partnership was created in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It is now the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness mission conducted by the US Navy in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on medical cooperation, engineering, disaster management, and community outreach.
Reporting: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso