Dili, Aug. 18, 2025 (Lusa) - Timor-Leste and Indonesia will begin the first round of negotiations on Tuesday to delimit the maritime border between the two countries, the Timorese government has announced.

“Senior officials from Timor-Leste and Indonesia will participate in structured discussions with the aim of delimiting a permanent maritime border between the two countries,” according to a press release.

According to the statement, the first round of formal negotiations, which will run until Wednesday, is taking place “after more than a decade of informal dialogue, exploratory meetings and exchanges of technical information.”

“The round of negotiations on the maritime border underlines the shared commitment of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to maintaining regional stability, respect for international law and the strengthening of good neighbourly relations,” the Timorese government said.

Timor-Leste shares maritime borders with Australia and Indonesia.

In March 2018, Timor-Leste and Australia signed an agreement establishing the delimitation of their maritime border.

“Successfully negotiating the maritime border with Indonesia will allow Timor-Leste to complete its sovereignty and maritime sovereign rights, which is extremely important for effective governance, ocean conservation, resource management and national security in Timor-Leste,” the Timorese government statement added.

MSE/ADB // ADB.

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