Myanmar–Timor-Leste relations

Burmese–East Timorese relations

Timor-Leste	Myanmar

Myanmar and Timor-Leste established diplomatic relations on 26 September 2006. ^[1]

History

2021

After the 2021 Myanmar coup d'etat and during the subsequent civil war in Myanmar, relations have significantly deteriorated between the two governments.

2023

In August 2023, the State Administration Council junta expelled the East Timorese ambassador in retaliation for the Timor-Leste government meeting with the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG). ^[2] In December 2023, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta called for Tatmadaw soldiers to defect and join the resistance, making Timor-Leste the only government to have openly expressed sympathies to anti-junta forces in Myanmar. Officials of the State Administration Council responded with outrage, running anti-Timor-Leste articles in state media referring to Ramos-Horta as a "thoughtless mouthpiece of the NUG". Additionally, "junta-backed nationalists" held a protest in Yangon against Ramos-Horta. ^[3]

2025

On 2 July 2025, the State Administration Council of Myanmar has officially notified Malaysia, the 2025 ASEAN chair, of its opposition to Timor-Leste joining the bloc this October 2025, citing internal interference. Timor-Leste has reportedly supported the opposing democratic forces in the onging civil war. ^[4]

References

1. "Diplomatic Relations Between Timor-Leste and Myanmar as of 26 Sept. 2006". 2006-09-26. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
2. "Myanmar expels East Timor's diplomat in retaliation for supporting opposition forces". AP News. 27 August 2023. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023.
3. "Myanmar Junta Rages Against E. Timor President After Defection Call". The Irrawaddy . Irrawaddy Publishing Group. 14 December 2023. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
4. "Myanmar opposes Timor Leste's ASEAN membership". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2025-07-02.