Ramos-Horta’s visit, which Laos Government reported was at the invitation of Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, marks a significant step of a new drive to formalise ties that include increased trade flows, investment opportunities and heightened regional solidarity.

In his speech during a formal welcome on Friday, Ramos-Horta said the Timor-Leste delegation visit was to engage in bilateral discussions with the landlocked Southeast Asian country.   

“Our relationship is solidly grounded on mutual respect, solidarity, and the shared pursuit of peace and prosperity for our people,” President Horta said in a speech that was published on his social media.  

“As we engage in bilateral discussions, we explore avenues to elevate our relationship to a strategic partnership agreement,” he said.

“Together, let us forge new partnerships and capitalize on the potential for sustainable development in Timor-Leste, contributing to the prosperity of both our nations and the well-being of our people.”

President Sisoulith, who assumed chair of Association of Southeast Asian Network this year, is likely to hold sway in Timor-Leste’s aspiration for full membership to the bloc.

“I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Laos for its loyal support of Timor-Leste's aspiration to join ASEAN, a journey that we hope will culminate in full membership by 2025 under the Chairmanship of Malaysia,” he said.

“Timor-Leste's accession to the WTO (World Trade Organisation) during the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi means that 75% of the legal instruments required by our ASEAN accession have been met.

Ramos-Horta, who last visited Laos as Minister of Foreign Affairs, said he was “particularly” pleased with the “fruitful discussion” on the Myanmar’s crisis since the military coup in 2021 and moves to establish Lao embassy in Dili in “near future.”

Horta has extended an invitation for Sisoulith to visit Timor-Leste, according to reports.