The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL) in the Republic of Korea is pleased to announce that His Excellency António de Sá Benevides, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the RDTL to the Republic of Korea, has been formally appointed Honorary Adviser to the International Cooperation Advisory Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA).
The appointment ceremony took place in Seoul on 29 July 2026, presided over by Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner Park Jung-bo. The honor stands as a recognition of Ambassador Benevides’ sustained contribution to strengthening the friendship and expanding cooperation between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea.
Also present at the ceremony was a delegation from Committee B of the National Parliament, responsible for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security. The delegation used the occasion to pay a courtesy visit to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, exchanging views on policing, public safety, and prospects for institutional cooperation.
“Continued cooperation between our two nations will help build capacity, share knowledge, and jointly address the security challenges we face in common.”
— Park Jung-bo, Commissioner, Seoul Metropolitan Police AgencyIn his remarks, Commissioner Park Jung-bo commended Ambassador Benevides’ leadership in reinforcing institutional ties between the SMPA and relevant institutions in Timor-Leste, noting that sustained cooperation between the two countries will help build capacity, share knowledge, and jointly meet common challenges to public security.
For his part, Ambassador Benevides expressed his deep gratitude for the honor and trust placed in him through this appointment. He pledged to continue strengthening the Timor-Leste–Korea partnership through cooperation in public security, professional training, capacity development, and institutional exchange.
The Chairman of Committee B and Head of Delegation, Member of Parliament Domingos Augusto “DEKER”, also conveyed his appreciation to Commissioner Park Jung-bo for recognizing Ambassador Benevides’ competence. He observed that the appointment reflects the deep friendship and trust between institutions of the two countries, and expressed confidence that it will make an important contribution to strengthening cooperation in security, governance, and international relations.
The appointment stands as a shared expression of commitment by Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea to continued mutual respect, constructive cooperation, and a bilateral relationship that benefits the people of both nations.