Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledges continued support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN aspirations and stronger bilateral ties during an official luncheon in Singapore.
Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, hosted an official lunch in honour of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on 14 July 2025. The luncheon, held during Prime Minister Gusmão’s Official Visit to Singapore from 13 to 16 July, celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations and their shared vision for the future.
In his toast speech, Prime Minister Wong warmly welcomed Mr Gusmão back to Singapore, recognising his historic role in Timor-Leste’s fight for independence and nation-building. He recalled the orchid named after Prime Minister Gusmão during his last Official Visit in 2013, describing it as a symbol of the flourishing relationship between Singapore and Timor-Leste.
Prime Minister Wong highlighted Singapore’s early support for Timor-Leste’s peace and stability, noting that over a thousand Singaporean personnel contributed to humanitarian and peacekeeping missions after Timor-Leste’s independence. He also emphasised recent milestones in bilateral relations, including the opening of Singapore’s Embassy in Dili, expanded economic cooperation, the resumption of direct flights, and a Mutual Visa Waiver Agreement.
A key focus of the speech was Singapore’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. Prime Minister Wong announced the launch of an enhanced Singapore-Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (STARS) Package, offering tailored assistance, specialised training, and leadership development programmes to prepare Timorese officials for ASEAN membership.
The lunch also celebrated a meaningful gift from Timor-Leste — 60 sandalwood saplings presented to mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Prime Minister Wong described the saplings as a symbol of the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations and their shared growth in ASEAN. He concluded the speech with a toast to President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Gusmão, and the continued peace and prosperity of Timor-Leste.
Source: PMO
