Timor-Leste Ratifies Accession to Samoa Agreement

On June 23-24, 2025, Timor-Leste’s National Parliament unanimously ratified the Samoa Partnership Agreement, a new framework between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). This agreement replaces the previous Cotonou Agreement and sets a 20-year legal foundation for cooperation focused on key global challenges.

The Samoa Agreement emphasizes sustainable development, democratic governance, climate resilience, equity, and digital cooperation. It also prioritizes human rights, peace and security, social development, inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and migration. By joining this agreement, Timor-Leste gains access to development financing, institutional capacity building, and opportunities to engage in political dialogue with the EU and other OACPS member countries.

This ratification reflects Timor-Leste’s strategic efforts to strengthen its presence in regional and international organizations. It enhances the country’s diplomatic relations and promotes its foreign policy agenda across multiple dimensions. Additionally, the agreement supports cooperation with Pacific, African, and Caribbean nations, allowing Timor-Leste to collaborate on shared challenges such as climate resilience, food security, public health, and human capital development.

The Samoa Agreement also includes specific regional protocols tailored to the unique needs of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, ensuring that cooperation is relevant and effective for each region. For Timor-Leste, a small island developing state, this partnership offers a valuable platform to mobilize EU resources in critical sectors like health, nutrition, education, and environmental protection.

Overall, the ratification of the Samoa Agreement marks a significant step for Timor-Leste in deepening its international partnerships and addressing contemporary global issues through multilateral cooperation.