His Excellency Mr Jimmy Nipo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Vanuatu to Australia, paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Ms Inês Maria De Almeida Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Canberra as part of his ongoing diplomatic engagements with representatives of the Pacific and neighbouring countries.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to discuss areas of mutual interest and to reflect on the growing relationship between Vanuatu and Timor-Leste, including cooperation in Australia and opportunities to further strengthen bilateral engagement.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of continued coordination among Pacific and Timor-Leste diplomatic missions in Australia, including engagement with relevant Australian authorities on labour mobility and workers' welfare.
Another significant area of discussion was the progress made in Vanuatu–Timor-Leste bilateral relations, including the Visa Waiver Agreement and the Framework Agreement on Technical Cooperation, both of which were signed in Port Vila during President José Ramos-Horta’s visit to Vanuatu in July 2026. The Visa Waiver Agreement provides for visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, facilitating official travel between the two countries.
The Framework Agreement on Technical Cooperation provides an important foundation for strengthening development cooperation between Vanuatu and Timor-Leste and for promoting collaboration in strategic areas of mutual interest. The agreement also reflects the shared commitment of both countries to peace, stability, sustainable development and closer cooperation.
The courtesy call reaffirmed the strong and friendly relations between Vanuatu and Timor-Leste, with both sides expressing support for continued dialogue and cooperation in areas of common interest, including labour mobility, development cooperation, people-to-people links and regional engagement.
The meeting forms part of High Commissioner Nipo’s broader programme of diplomatic consultations aimed at strengthening Vanuatu’s bilateral partnerships and advancing the country’s interests in Australia and the wider region.
