The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Order of Malta formally established diplomatic relations.

Timor-Leste’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Adaljiza Magno, and the Ambassador of the Order of Malta for South-east Asia and the Far East, James Dominguez, signed the agreement in Dili on Monday September 18, 2006.

Ambassador Dominguez noted that Timor-Leste and the Order of Malta had enjoyed a good relationship for many years. On behalf of the Order of Malta and on behalf of the Grand Master, I am very proud to be here today signing this historic document, he said.

Vice Minister Magno affirmed she hoped the new formal relationship would result in increased support for her country from the Order of Malta, particularly in the area of health. We owe the Order of Malta a great deal and we will never forget their kindness to Timor-Leste, Mrs Magno said. In a special project following the tsunami tragedies, the Order shipped medical supplies to Timor-Leste from Australia.