On the morning of June 26, 2025, the Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies (IFPSS), Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV) hosted a delegation of young leaders from Timor-Leste under the Future Lider ba ASEAN (FLBA) program. Initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, the program is designed to support the country’s preparations for full ASEAN membership while fostering mutual understanding between the younger generations of both nations. It also aims to promote collaborative initiatives across key areas such as diplomacy, economic development, education, and sustainable growth.
The FLBA delegation took a group photo with staff from the IFPSS
The Timor-Leste delegation comprised 12 promising young individuals from government agencies, corporations, and non-governmental organizations, representing sectors including foreign affairs, economy, energy, education, healthcare, environment, and sustainable development. Joining the delegation was Mr. Aquilino Amaral, First Secretary at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Hanoi. Representing DAV were Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Assistant Director General of the IFPSS, and several young researchers from the Institute.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc warmly welcomed the Timor-Leste delegation to the DAV, which had the honor of hosting President Jose Ramos-Horta for a talk in 2024. She affirmed that Viet Nam stands ready to share practical experiences in the process of ASEAN integration, especially in implementing ASEAN’s principles and regulations and contributing to community-building efforts that promote dialogue and cooperation for peace and development. The researchers of the IFPSS shared Viet Nam’s experiences in economic integration, from participating in ASEAN’s free trade agreements to institutional reforms and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in regional integration. The two sides also discussed potential areas of cooperation such as economic development, renewable energy, food security, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and especially youth capacity-building through training and exchange programs.
The Timor-Leste delegates expressed their keen interest in learning from Viet Nam’s experiences in ASEAN integration policy-making, socio-economic development, and regional connectivity, with a view to contributing to ASEAN Community building. Mr. Nixon Jose Valente Xavier, head of the FLBA delegation, stated that Timor-Leste is also ready to share experiences in maritime boundary delimitation with Australia through peaceful dialogue and international legal mechanisms – an example of dispute resolution in accordance with international law.
Panoramic view of the exchange session
In addition to professional exchanges, young officials from both countries shared ideas and initiatives to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, particularly through social media, youth exchange programs, and academic exchanges. The IFPSS reaffirmed its willingness to support Timor-Leste in connecting scholars, organizing training courses, conducting joint research, and promoting student exchanges between the two countries. Both sides committed to further advancing practical cooperation in the future, contributing to building a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community.
The meeting took place in a friendly, sincere, and open atmosphere, reflecting Viet Nam’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste on its journey toward becoming an official member of ASEAN.
Young officials of the IFPSS and the FLBA delegation exchanged souvenirs
