Timor-Leste and Vietnam to increase parliamentary cooperation

Lay said Vietnam’s experience in lawmaking and national governance is valuable to Timor-Leste as the country continues to strengthen its institutions and integrate into the international community. She expressed her desire to deepen cooperation between the two parliaments, particularly through exchanges among parliamentarians, specialised bodies and parliamentary staff, with a view to improving legislative work.

Dam, for his part, shared Vietnam’s experience in reviewing and improving its legal framework to support economic development, attract investment and fulfil international commitments. He noted that ASEAN membership required continued adjustments to legal and policy frameworks, adding that Vietnam stands ready to share practical experience, including challenges and lessons learned during its own integration process, for Timor-Leste’s reference as it implements its obligations as an ASEAN member.

Regarding cooperation within the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Lay expressed her hope that Vietnam would continue to provide support and share experience to help the National Parliament of Timor-Leste participate more effectively in AIPA activities.

They also discussed the possibility of arranging meetings between representatives of the two parliaments on the sidelines of future AIPA sessions. Timor-Leste is preparing for its National Parliament to become a full member of AIPA.

On the occasion, Ambassador Pham Binh Dam reiterated an invitation from Vietnamese National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man for Lay to visit Vietnam at a convenient time.

The two sides also exchanged views on administrative reform and digital transformation. The Vietnamese ambassador outlined Vietnam’s experience in restructuring the state apparatus, developing online public services and monitoring the progress of administrative procedures.

Lay expressed her impression of Vietnam’s significant progress and her interest in learning from its experience. She also acknowledged Telemor, the commercial brand of Viettel Timor-Leste, a subsidiary of Viettel Global, Vietnam’s overseas investment arm of Viettel Group, for its contribution to expanding telecommunications connectivity in Timor-Leste, particularly in rural areas.

With regard to the agreement on visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports between Vietnam and Timor-Leste, signed in Hanoi in June 2026, Ambassador Pham Binh Dam said Vietnam has completed the necessary domestic procedures. According to information released by the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, the ratification dossier was received on October 5 and referred to the relevant committee on October 6.

Lay said the agreement is expected to be submitted for consideration and approval at a parliamentary sitting in December 2026. Once it enters into force, the agreement will facilitate people-to-people exchanges, tourism, trade and broader cooperation between the two countries.

Timor-Leste leader hails Vietnam as trusted partner, cites development experience

VOV.VN - Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has described Vietnam as a trusted partner and highlighted its development experience as a useful reference for Timor-Leste, as the two countries move to deepen bilateral cooperation.