- Consultation on Enhancing ASEAN-ROK CSP with Timor-Leste, a New Member State of ASEAN -

[Related National Policy Task] No. 120: Emerging as a G7+ Diplomatic Power through Contributions and Active Engagement in the International Community

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, on Monday, June 29, during the latter’s official visit to Korea from June 26 to 29. They discussed ways to further develop ROK-Timor-Leste relations and exchanged views on regional developments.

Minister Cho underscored that the special bond forged during Timor-Leste's path to independence and nation-building, including through the past deployment of the Sangnoksu (Evergreen) PKO Unit*, serves as a significant asset to the relationship between the two countries. He stated that Korea will remain a true friend and cooperative partner in Timor-Leste's journey toward successful integration into ASEAN and the acceleration of its national development.

* From 1999 to 2003, Korea deployed the Sangnoksu Unit, comprising approximately 3,000 personnel, to Timor-Leste to conduct peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance activities.

※ Timor-Leste joined ASEAN as its 11th Member State in October 2025.

Minister Freitas remarked that his visit to Korea, his first in approximately 15 years, is deeply meaningful. He emphasized that Timor-Leste attaches great importance to its relations with Korea. He also expressed his hope that this meeting will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen not only the friendly relations between Korea and Timor-Leste but also the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

* Minister Freitas oversaw the signing of the MOU on the Employment Permit System between Korea and Timor-Leste (2008) and made two visits to Korea (2010, 2011) during his tenure as the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (2007-2012).

The two Ministers appreciated that labor cooperation through the Employment Permit System has significantly contributed to the economic development and friendship of both countries. Minister Cho expressed his hope that cooperation would be further expanded in fields such as education, human resource development and government capacity-building, which Timor-Leste has identified as key priorities for its national development. Furthermore, the two Ministers agreed to actively explore ways to cooperate in the climate change sector such as international mitigation projects and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), as well as maritime and infrastructure sectors. They also agreed to expand cooperation in the area of public security to coordinate responses against transnational organized crime.

Meanwhile, Minister Cho explained the Korean government's policy of prioritizing ASEAN, and stated that Korea, as an active supporter of Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN, will continue to provide proactive support for the process of Timor-Leste's integration into ASEAN. In response, Minister Freitas expressed strong support for the ASEAN-ROK CSP vision* and the various ASEAN-ROK Cooperation Fund projects currently being implemented by the Korean government.

* Announced at the ASEAN-ROK Summit in October 2025: Contributor for dreams and hope, Springboard for growth and innovation, Partner for peace and stability

Furthermore, Minister Cho explained the Korean government's policies aimed at realizing the peaceful coexistence of the two Koreas and a "Korean Peninsula growing together," to which Minister Freitas expressed his willingness to cooperate and to provide support. Both ministers agreed to work closely together to contribute to regional and international peace and stability.