Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean
The upgraded Singapore-Timor-Leste Asean Readiness Support (Stars) package, known as the enhanced Stars (eStars) package, will offer tailored assistance to help the South-east Asian nation meet requirements to join key Asean economic agreements.
This was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on July 14 at a luncheon for visiting Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao.
Mr Gusmao is on an official four-day visit to Singapore, more than a decade after his first as prime minister in 2013. He received a ceremonial welcome on July 14 before meeting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Speaking at the lunch held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Mr Wong said the refreshed package will also include training aligned with Timor-Leste's national development priorities, as well as leadership development programmes and scholarships for its future leaders.
The eStars package, which runs from July 2025 to December 2028, will offer wider access to Asean-related training courses and expertise to support Timor-Leste's integration into the regional grouping. The first iteration of the Stars initiative formally began in 2022.
Addressing Mr Gusmao, PM Wong said: 'Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to Asean is a significant milestone, both for your country and for Asean.
Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao (right) was hosted to an official lunch by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Pan Pacific Singapore on July 13. -- ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
'Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the Asean family. And we will continue to stand with you on this journey.'
Speaking at the same event, Mr Gusmao thanked Singapore for its support over the years, particularly in helping Timor-Leste prepare for Asean membership.
He cited the training provided to Timorese civil servants in areas such as negotiation and policy writing, describing it as 'a real difference' that reflects cooperation 'measured not in words, but in actions'.
Timor-Leste, with a population of 1.3 million, formally applied to join the regional grouping in 2011. It received in-principle endorsement in May, and its accession is expected to be formalised at the 47th Asean Summit in October.
In his speech, PM Wong noted how Mr Gusmao has long-standing ties with Singapore, and that it is proud to be a partner of Timor-Leste.
'We remember well your many contributions to Timor-Leste's journey – fighting for independence, unifying the country, and guiding your people through the early years of nation-building,' Mr Wong said. He added that Singapore has 'stood in solidarity' with Timor Leste even before its independence.
Mr Wong noted that the Republic was among the first countries to participate in a multinational peacekeeping mission led by Australia in 1999.
Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002, following a 1999 United Nations-sponsored referendum in which an overwhelming majority voted to break away from Indonesian rule. The vote was marred by violence from pro-integration militias, following decades of unrest and foreign occupation.
Over the decade since Timor-Leste gained independence, more than a thousand Singapore personnel have worked alongside the Timorese people to provide humanitarian assistance, build institutions, and support its 'transition to peace and stability', PM Wong said.
Bilateral ties between Singapore and Timor-Leste have grown steadily, with Singapore starting its embassy in the capital Dili in 2024 – 'a reflection of its commitment to deeper engagement', Mr Wong said.
Economic links between both sides are expanding, and Singapore companies are exploring opportunities in hospitality, real estate and other sectors, said PM Wong. He also noted that direct flights between the two countries have resumed, with a mutual visa waiver agreement implemented in 2024.
Even prior to the Stars initiative started in 2022, more than 1,100 Timorese officials since 2002 have participated in courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, which is Singapore's flagship platform established in 1992 for technical assistance and capacity building for developing nations.
These courses help to build capabilities across a range of areas, from public administration to language and communications.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said President Tharman and PM Wong reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Timor-Leste's development through capacity building programmes, welcoming more Timorese officials to participate in the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
As his country moves towards full Asean membership, Mr Gusmao acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasised that regional unity and solidarity are more important than ever in an increasingly unstable world.
He noted how Singapore's development discipline and clarity of purpose was an example to nations, not only across the region but around the world.
Singapore and Timor-Leste are countries of different cultures and histories, but both share a common spirit that their futures must be shaped by their people, said Mr Gusmao.
He also spoke about how both nations are diverse and multicultural, and said it was inspiring to see how Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities coexist harmoniously in Singapore.
Similarly, he shared how Timor-Leste draws strength from its indigenous roots, Portuguese legacy, and its many languages and traditions.
'This diversity is not a weakness. It is a source of unity, a quiet strength that holds our societies together,' he said.
He said there is potential to deepen bilateral cooperation with Singapore, in areas such as tourism, education, infrastructure and investment.
Highlighting Timor-Leste's natural beauty, from mountain ranges to tropical beaches rich in marine biodiversity, Mr Gusmao said his country's Blue Economy strategy underscores its commitment to sustainability.
'We welcome partnerships that align with that vision. Not just investment, but collaboration, knowledge-sharing and mutual growth,' he said.
PM Wong also thanked Mr Gusmao and the government of Timor-Leste for a gift of 60 sandalwood saplings for Singapore's 60th year of independence.
These saplings, he said, are a powerful symbol of how both countries can grow and thrive together in the years ahead – both bilaterally and in Asean.
'I assure you that Singapore will take good care of the saplings and make sure they grow into strong and sturdy trees; befitting of the enduring friendship between our two countries,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
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