Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 4 May 2026
His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, accompanied His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão during the Official Visit to Brunei Darussalam from 3 to 5 May 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries across several strategic sectors.
During the visit, Minister Monteiro signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam on cooperation in the oil and gas sector, together with The Honourable Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II of Brunei Darussalam.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes an umbrella framework for cooperation between the two countries in three main areas, namely training and capacity building, investment in upstream and downstream oil and gas activities, and the exchange of information and best practices in energy sector management and policy.
Under the cooperation framework, Timor-Leste seeks to create opportunities for Timorese engineers and technical personnel to undertake professional training and operational experience in Brunei’s downstream oil and gas industries, including LNG plants, refineries, petrochemical industries, and other technical institutions. The framework also encourages engagement between commercial entities from both countries, including investors, engineering companies, equipment suppliers, and service providers, particularly in relation to Timor-Leste’s on going development on the upstream and downstream energy sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding further provides a basis for continued dialogue and institutional cooperation between both Governments, including the sharing of knowledge and experience in the management and development of the oil and gas sector.
The signing of the Memorandum reflects the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam and reinforces both countries’ shared interest in expanding cooperation in the energy sector.