Timor-Leste Joins the International Atomic Energy Agency as Its 182nd Member State

Timor-Leste joined the IAEA to expand peaceful nuclear cooperation and expertise.

Timor-Leste’s admission as the 182nd Member State of the International Atomic Energy Agency was formally announced during the opening of the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria, on 14 September 2026. The national delegation was led by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation H.E. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, accompanied by Ambassador António da Conceição and other representatives.

In her national statement, Vice Minister Gomes thanked the Board of Governors, the General Conference, the Director General and Member States, particularly partners in Asia and the Pacific, for supporting Timor-Leste throughout the accession process. She said the country’s membership reflected its commitment to multilateralism, nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

Vice Minister Gomes also referred to Timor-Leste’s safeguards framework with the IAEA, covering the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, Additional Protocol and modified Small Quantities Protocol. For future cooperation, Timor-Leste identified water management, agriculture, health, energy and regulatory capacity-building as key areas of focus.

Timor-Leste also received congratulations from IAEA Director General Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, as well as representatives of the United States and the European Union, who welcomed the country’s accession and its commitment to peaceful nuclear applications for sustainable development.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste