Australia–Timor-Leste relations

Bilateral relations exist between Australia and Timor-Leste (East Timor). The two countries are near neighbours with close political and trade ties. Timor-Leste, the youngest and one of the poorest countries in Asia, lies about 610 kilometres northwest of the Australian city of Darwin. Australia has played a prominent role in the young republic's history.

Australia led international support for Timor-Leste during its first 10 years of independence, not only as the largest bilateral donor of development assistance, but also by providing a leadership role to ensure security and stability in the country. Australia also led the military force that helped stabilise the country after it gained independence from Indonesia in 1999 and it has been a major source of aid ever since. In 2004, relations between the two countries were briefly deteriorated as a result of the Australia–Timor-Leste spying scandal but the two countries still remained cooperative.

Australia is Timor-Leste’s biggest supporter and largest development partner. Over the years, Australia has provided substantial financial assistance, totalling more than 1 billion in Australian dollars in development aid since 2000. Providing vital support in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and governance, Australia’s aid also focuses on regional integration, security and capacity-building programs.