CANBERRA, Australia – July 2, 2026 – The Office of the President is pleased to announce the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste following the signing of a Joint Communiqué on June 24, 2026.
The Joint Communique was signed by Her Excellency, Jane J. Chigiyal, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to Australia, and the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. Ines Maria de Almeida, and was witnessed by H.E. Benito Dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
The desire to establish relations between the two sovereign nations was not merely to expand diplomatic relations across the globe but to open doors for bilateral dialogue and to deepen people-to-people relationship. Both Ambassadors reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to collectively address current and emerging challenges regionally and globally on climate change, ocean governance, peace and security, and sustainable development.
In her statement, Ambassador Chigiyal stated that the two “nations share values that transcends our borders and our colonial past.” She recognized that the two countries have worked together in many fora and are now cementing that cooperation by establishing bilateral relations. Ambassador Chigiyal also commended Timor-Leste for their role in securing SDG16.
In her responding remarks, Ambassador Almeida conveyed that this partnership serves to remind us once again that the vast ocean that cradles our islands is merely a highway that connects culture, customs, and countries. She further emphasized that when “Micronesia speaks on the realities of rising sea levels and ocean conservation, Timor-Leste hears its own voice echoing back. Together, that voice is louder and stronger.”
The signing ceremony was attended by the members of both diplomatic missions.
Timor-Leste is the 105th country with which the FSM has established diplomatic relations. The signing also marks an important date-the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
The Office of the President welcomes this important milestone and looks forward to strengthening the friendship and partnership between the Federated States of Micronesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in the years ahead.
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