- Hon Chris Penk
New Zealand and Timor-Leste have signed an updated defence cooperation arrangement, Defence Minister Chris Penk says.
“This was an excellent opportunity to review and restate our shared commitment to ongoing cooperation. It has been 15 years since we last reviewed this arrangement and in that time the world has changed significantly,” Mr Penk says.
The updated Defence Cooperation Arrangement was signed by Minister Penk and Timor-Leste Defense Minister Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosario da Costa Gomes, at a virtual meeting this month.
The arrangement complements the existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and outlines the key priorities and areas of ongoing cooperation, including training, education and capacity building activities; deepening the bilateral relationship; cooperation on humanitarian aid and disaster relief and maritime security; and exchange of expertise in a number of areas.
“We look forward to expanding our defence relationship with Timor-Leste, including as the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“Our longstanding defence relationship is based on partnership and respect. It’s 27 years since New Zealand sent peacekeepers to Timor-Leste, who contributed to the country’s stabilisation and ultimately its independence. This is a contribution we remain incredibly proud of. Signing this updated arrangement is an important step to allow our defence relationship to continue to grow, in line with our shared priorities.”
