Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations on 20 May 2002, the very day of Timor-Leste's restoration of independence. Korea's engagement with our nation began even earlier, through its contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission (1999–2003) and support for Timor-Leste's electoral and state-building process.
Since then, the relationship has grown from post-independence solidarity into a broad-based partnership covering official development assistance, labour mobility, rural development, and trade and investment cooperation — one that is expanding further as Timor-Leste advances toward full integration into ASEAN, of which it became the 11th member in October 2025.
KICKSTART Project: Funded by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) and implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Service (KOICS), this initiative is strengthening the capacity of Timorese officials in customs, trade facilitation, taxation, and investment policy — supporting Timor-Leste's readiness for full ASEAN economic integration.
Saemaul Undong Cooperation: In July 2024, Timor-Leste and Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding to adapt Korea's Saemaul Undong ("New Village Movement") model — a globally recognised approach to rural infrastructure, agricultural productivity, and community self-reliance.
Employment Permit System (EPS): Since 2009, Timorese workers have travelled to Korea under the EPS scheme to work in manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and other sectors, gaining skills and professional experience while contributing remittances that support families back home.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which opened its Timor-Leste office in 2010, is our principal development partner. Through grant aid and technical cooperation, KOICA supports priority sectors including education, health, agriculture, gender equality, and youth capacity building — most recently reflected in the inauguration of the Korea–Timor-Leste Friendship Sports Center in February 2026 — helping advance the goals of Timor-Leste's Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030.
We welcome Korean enterprises to explore Timor-Leste's emerging economy. Beyond agribusiness and organic specialty coffee, opportunities exist in the Blue Economy, eco-tourism, and renewable energy, alongside rural infrastructure development building on the growing Saemaul Undong cooperation. Our government offers a welcoming investment climate for partners who bring technology, capacity-building, and sustainable practices to Timor-Leste.