Dili,Timor-Leste,15 October 2026
His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, met with Ms. Shaima Salem Ahmen Alhebsi, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for greater cooperation in the energy and natural resources sectors.
During the meeting, Minister Monteiro highlighted the longstanding friendship between Timor-Leste and the United Arab Emirates and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s interest in strengthening bilateral engagement and exploring opportunities for cooperation.
Minister Monteiro provided an overview of Timor-Leste’s oil and gas and mineral sectors, including ongoing petroleum developments such as the Greater Sunrise Project, the redevelopment of Bayu-Undan and other petroleum activities. Minister Monteiro also highlighted the Tasi Mane Project and the Government’s broader efforts to develop downstream industries and associated infrastructure along Timor-Leste’s southern coast.
Discussions also focused on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors, including potential investment, technical cooperation, capacity building and knowledge sharing. Minister Monteiro welcomed greater engagement from UAE companies and investors as Timor-Leste continues to develop its natural resources and promote long-term economic diversification. Both sides expressed their commitment to maintaining close engagement and exploring practical opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and the United Arab Emirates.