- Foreign relations of East Timor
East Timor being a new country has begun to intiate foreign relations with the rest of the global community.Relations with specific countries and regions
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
East Timor is the only country in Southeast Asia that is not a member of
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). East Timor also does not hold observer status in the group. However, East Timor has expressed its intention of gaining observer status to ASEAN in July 2002 and in 2006 was spoken of as requiring five years to become an ASEAN member. [http://www.aseansec.org/afp/154.htm] ASEAN on the other hand has been inviting the small nation to many of ASEAN ministerial meetings as a sign of goodwill. In 2007 East Timor signed the ASEAN Treaty on Amity and Co-operation. [http://www.cpa.org.au/garchve07/1304asean.html] [http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/jan/15/yehey/opinion/20070115opi8.html]East Timor is a potential member of the
East Asia Summit .Indonesia
Despite the traumatic past, relations with Indonesia are very good.Indonesia is by far the largest trading partner of East Timor (Approximately 50% of imports, 2005).Problems to be solved include, East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee meetings to survey and delimit land boundary; and
Indonesia seeking resolution of East Timorese refugees in Indonesia.Philippines
Being the only two predominantly Christian nations in Asia, relations with the
Philippines became very positive as soon as East Timor was multilaterally recognized as an independent state. The two countries are now engaged in a growing commercial relationship, as well as cultural and educational exchanges.Bangladesh
Participation in international organizations
The country is involved in
ASEAN , IBRD,IMF ,UN ,Asian Development Bank ,Non-Aligned Movement , and theCPLP .East Timor also holds observer status in the
Pacific Islands Forum , but has yet to achieve associate member or full member status within the organisation.International disputes
East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee meets to survey and delimit land boundary;
Indonesia seeks resolution of East Timorese refugees in Indonesia;Australia , East Timor, and Indonesia are working to resolve maritime boundary and sharing of seabed resources in theTimor Gap .ee also
*
Timorese diplomatic missions
*List of diplomatic missions in Timor-Leste
**Timor-Leste Missions Overseas
**Timor-Leste Nonresident Accreditation
**International Organisations in Timor-LesteExternal links
* [http://www.mne.gov.tl Timor-Leste Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
* [http://www.easttimor.embassy.gov.au/ Australian Embassy in East Timor]
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