At the invitation of H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will undertake a Working Visit to Timor-Leste, on 19-20 May 2026, to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

During the visit, Dr. Kao is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on H.E. José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as well as to meet with H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. These engagements will reaffirm ASEAN’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s full and effective membership in ASEAN. Dr. Kao will also participate and deliver remarks at the Ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the International Convention Center (ICC), in Dili.