Canada-Timor-Leste relations

Bilateral relations

Canada’s bilateral engagement with Timor-Leste is managed through the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia, in Jakarta. Canada has actively advocated for democratic development, public administration institution building as well as the establishment and implementation of the rule of law to ensure peace and stability in Timor-Leste. Canada contributed to a range of UN-mandated missions in Timor-Leste from 1999 to 2010, including: the UN Integrated Mission in East Timor; the UN Security Council-authorized multinational force in East Timor; the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor; the UN Mission of Support in East Timor; and, the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste is a recipient of Canadian financial support from Global Affairs Canada, Finance Canada and the International Development Research Center (IDRC).

Trade relations

Canada-Timor-Leste bilateral merchandise trade was $3.3 million in 2023. Canada’s imports from Timor-Leste account for $2.9 million led by coffee, tea, maté and spices products. A Canadian-made and crewed aircraft provides an air bridge between Timor-Leste and its Oecusse exclave.

Development

In 2024, Canada supported programming in Timor-Leste through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), focusing on women’s empowerment, climate resilience, child nutrition and youth development.

Operations

Defence and security

Timor-Leste has participated in Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, with Timorese military officers undertaking language training in Canada. Timorese police also benefit from Canadian-funded training at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Semarang, Indonesia.

Partnerships and organizations

To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Timor-Leste work closely in multilateral fora, such as:

Date modified:: 2024-10-04

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