In July 2024, a series of agreements between Angola and Timor-Leste set the stage for something more than just diplomatic formalities. These represent practical steps to improve life in both nations. But what makes these agreements so important? Let’s dive into how they are changing the relationship between these two countries in very real ways.

Why Are Angola and Timor-Leste Collaborating?

To understand the importance of this partnership, think about the unique bond between these two nations. Angola and Timor-Leste may seem worlds apart—one in Africa, the other in Southeast Asia—but their shared history under Portuguese rule brings them together. More importantly, they share a desire for growth and progress, recognizing that by working together, they can achieve more.

This cooperation builds on diplomatic relations that started in 2002, right after Timor-Leste became fully independent. The two countries are members of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), which includes countries as diverse as Brazil, Portugal, and Mozambique. These relationships mean they share a common diplomatic language and mutual goals within the CPLP​

But diplomacy needs to be backed up by action, not just words. That’s why the first of the three agreements establishes regular diplomatic consultations between their respective ministries of foreign affairs. It’s like scheduling regular meetings between two companies to discuss strategy, resources, and partnership opportunities. For Angola and Timor-Leste, it ensures that the channels of communication remain open on global issues like trade, environmental challenges, and security cooperation. For example, if Timor-Leste needs support for a proposal at the United Nations or ASEAN, Angola could offer diplomatic backing, and vice versa.

Professional Training: Developing Skills on Both Sides

The second agreement links Angola’s Venâncio de Moura Diplomatic Academy with Timor-Leste’s Center for Diplomatic Studies. This is a tangible opportunity for diplomats from both nations to receive training and gain experience in negotiation, conflict resolution, and international trade.

Angola has long played an influential role in Africa, not just in the CPLP but also in the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). With decades of experience, Angola is offering Timorese diplomats insights into global negotiation, strategic diplomacy, and international relations. But this isn’t one-sided. Timor-Leste, positioned in Southeast Asia, brings valuable insights on ASEAN, an organization Angola can benefit from.

Timorese diplomats, through this agreement, will be able to spend time in Luanda, learning from Angolan officials who have experience negotiating major oil and gas contracts with global firms like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies. This is valuable expertise for Timor-Leste, which is looking to develop its own Greater Sunrise oil fields in the Timor Sea, a project worth billions in potential revenues​.

Visa-Free Travel: Why Does This Matter?

A third, critical part of this cooperation is the visa waiver agreement. This may seem like a small administrative change, but it’s significant. For holders of diplomatic and service passports, this waiver means no waiting for visas, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and faster collaboration. A Timorese official working on energy policy can quickly travel to Angola for meetings about oil exploration, or an Angolan diplomat can easily visit Dili to discuss agricultural developments.

The reduction in bureaucratic barriers means faster and more efficient exchanges in sectors beyond diplomacy. For example, Angola's energy sector is well-developed, with Sonangol, the state oil company, having decades of experience in managing oil and gas production. Timor-Leste, on the other hand, is relatively new to the oil game, so its officials will benefit enormously from being able to consult Sonangol experts without visa restrictions holding things up​.

What’s Next? Joint Projects on the Horizon

The joint commission between Angola and Timor-Leste is focusing heavily on oil and gas, with Angola bringing its decades of experience in managing large-scale energy projects, such as its production of 1.4 million barrels of oil per day from the Cabinda province. Timor-Leste, on the other hand, seeks to develop its Greater Sunrise fields, which hold an estimated 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and 226 million barrels of condensate. Angola’s collaboration with global giants like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies provides a crucial knowledge base that Timor-Leste can tap into as it builds its energy infrastructure. Beyond energy, Angola’s experience in tourism and agriculture—from attractions like Kalandula Falls to Huíla’s cattle farming—will also assist Timor-Leste in expanding its own tourism and agricultural industries, particularly in regions like Atauro Island and Baucau​.

In the Long Run

The cooperation agreements signed between Angola and Timor-Leste in 2024 go beyond diplomacy—they represent a real, tangible partnership that both nations are committed to developing. They are about training diplomats, facilitating travel, and exploring shared economic opportunities. From oil and gas to tourism and agriculture, these two countries have embarked on a journey of mutual growth. This isn't just about strengthening ties either—it’s about real-world projects that will shape the future for both Angola and Timor-Leste.

This partnership is a clear message: despite geographical distance, Angola and Timor-Leste are working together, driven by common goals of economic development, international cooperation, and regional stability. These agreements set a foundation for what comes next—more exchanges, more joint projects, and more opportunities for both nations to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. 

‍