Embassy of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Brussels

15/09/2026

From Brussels to the North Sea: ABC’s two-day immersion into Belgium’s energy and maritime future

On September 8th 2026, the ASEAN Brussels Committee (ABC), chaired by Ambassador Lurdes Bessa, visited CORESO in Brussels. We were honoured by the presence of Her Excellency Annelies Verlinden, Belgian Minister of Justice and responsible for the North Sea, who underlined the importance of a continuous dialogue between Belgium and ASEAN on energy and maritime security.

At CORESO, CEO Jan Van Roost and COO Alessio Marchesin welcomed the delegation for an inspiring exchange and a guided visit to the Coordination Room, marking a strong start to bilateral cooperation in this field.

On September 10th, the programme continued at the Port of Oostende, offering a complementary view of offshore operations. The ABC was received by Mr Geert Dangreau, CEO of Bluebridge Science Park, and greeted by the Mayor of Oostende, Mr John Crombez, who opened the event. After visits to the control room at The Reef and the e-Bo Enterprises demonstration room, the delegation enjoyed a working lunch hosted by Mr Eric Noterman, CEO of the Port of Oostende.

Thematic presentations by Jan de Nul, GEOxyz, Otary, Parkwind, Elia and 3E gave a full picture of the lifecycle of offshore wind farms and power grids: from planning and construction to operation, maintenance and dismantling.

A big thank you to all our hosts for these insightful visits and for strengthening the bridge between ASEAN and Belgium on energy, infrastructure and the blue economy.

05/09/2026

01/09/2026

H.E Lurdes Bessa participated today in the barbecue lunch offered by Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs e Cooperation for Development Maxine Prévot, at the beautiful Château de Val Duchesse, to celebrate the rentré of the new Diplomatic Year!

30/08/2026

Today, the people of Timor-Leste commemorate Popular Consultation Day, marking the historic vote held on 30 August 1999.

This meaningful day stands as an important milestone in Timor-Leste’s journey, reflecting the resilience, courage, and aspirations of its people for peace, dignity, and self-determination.

On this occasion, we extend our warm wishes to the people of Timor-Leste as they reflect on this significant moment in their nation’s history.

25/08/2026

ASEAN Family Day! 22 August, 2026, Brussels

25/08/2026

22 August 2026
The Embassy of Timor-Leste, in Brussels, in its capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Brussels Committee - ABC - , was delighted to host the ASEAN Family Day, at Garrincha Padel Club.

The gathering brought together members of the ASEAN diplomatic community and their families for a day of friendship, sport and cultural exchange. The programme included an introduction to padel, family games and activities, as well as a shared culinary experience featuring regional delicious dishes from each participating country.

In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Maria de Lurdes Bessa highlighted the significance of this occasion:

“This spirit of family has a special meaning for ASEAN. Our Community has always drawn strength from our ability to remain together despite our differences—to talk, to listen, to share and to find common ground.

Today we do this in the simplest and perhaps most genuine way: not through declarations or communiqués, but through friendship, food, laughter and time spent together.”

The event reflected ASEAN’s enduring spirit of unity in diversity and offered a warm, informal setting in which to strengthen bonds among the ASEAN family in Brussels.

04/08/2026

🇹🇱🇨🇿 Presentation of Credentials in the Czech Republic

Her Excellency Ambassador Lurdes Bessa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, had the honour of presenting her Letters of Credence to His Excellency Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, during a ceremony held at Prague Castle on 29 July 2026.

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Bessa was received by President Pavel for a cordial exchange on the excellent relations between Timor-Leste and the Czech Republic, founded on shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law, peace, and effective multilateral cooperation.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

31/07/2026

On 21 July 2026, Her Excellency Lurdes Bessa presented her Letters of Credence to His Excellency Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland, accrediting her as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Poland.

The ceremony marked the beginning of H.E. Lurdes Bessa diplomatic mission in Poland and reaffirmed the friendly relations between the two countries, founded on mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to peace, international cooperation and sustainable development.

Following the presentation of the Letters of Credence, H.E. paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of Poland.

"I look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Poland to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and expand cooperation between Timor-Leste and Poland for the mutual benefit of our nations."

🇹🇱 🤝 🇵🇱

28/07/2026

📍Bruxelas | 23 de julho de 2026

Timor-Leste successfully convened the First Meeting of the ASEAN Brussels Committee (ABC) under its Chairship.
The meeting brought together the Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States in Brussels to discuss regional developments, ASEAN-EU relations, and the Committee's programme of work for the coming months.

Timor-Leste's Chairship of the ABC represents an important milestone following its accession as ASEAN's 11th Member State and reflects our country's commitment to contributing actively to ASEAN's external engagement and partnership with the European Union.

The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its sincere appreciation to all ASEAN colleagues for their valuable contributions and constructive engagement.

A heartfelt thanks to the diplomats and staff of the Embassy, whose professionalism, dedication, teamwork and tireless efforts made this first meeting under Timor-Leste's Chairship a success.

Together, we look forward to a productive semester of close cooperation, strengthening ASEAN unity and further deepening ASEAN's partnership with the European Union.

13/07/2026

📍Bruxelas | 13 de julho de 2026**

Enquanto a Europa entra no período de férias de verão, a diplomacia não tira férias.

Hoje foi mais um dia de intenso trabalho na Embaixada de Timor-Leste em Bruxelas, dedicado à coordenação e preparação de diversas iniciativas e prioridades da nossa missão diplomática, entre as quais:

🇹🇱 Participação na reunião do Conselho de Ministros da OACPS;
🤝 Preparação da primeira reunião do Comité da ASEAN em Bruxelas sob a coordenação de Timor-Leste;
🌏 Organização das celebrações do Dia da ASEAN;
🇵🇱🇨🇿 Preparação das próximas missões de trabalho à Polónia e à República Checa;
👥 Assistência e acompanhamento de cidadãos timorenses na Europa;
📑 Tratamento de diversos assuntos administrativos e de gestão da Embaixada.

Representar Timor-Leste é um compromisso diário que continua, com dedicação e sentido de missão, em todas as estações do ano.

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📍Brussels | 13 July 2026

While Europe enters the summer holiday season, diplomacy never takes a break.

Today marked another busy and productive day at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Brussels, focused on coordinating and advancing several key priorities of our diplomatic mission, including:

🇹🇱 Participation in the OACPS Council of Ministers Meeting;
🤝 Preparations for the first meeting of the ASEAN Committee in Brussels under Timor-Leste's Chairmanship;
🌏 Preparations for the celebration of ASEAN Day;
🇵🇱🇨🇿 Planning upcoming working visits to Poland and the Czech Republic;
👥 Providing assistance and consular support to Timorese citizens across Europe;
📑 Managing a range of administrative and institutional matters.

Representing Timor-Leste is a daily commitment that continues with dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of purpose throughout every season of the year.