TOKYO, 24 March 2026 – The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Japan is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations within the legal and judicial sectors.
On 5 March 2026, a formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was held between the Ministry of Justice of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Justice of Japan. The historic document was signed by the Minister of Justice of Timor-Leste, H.E. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, and the Minister of Justice of Japan, H.E. HIRAGUCHI Hiroshi, at the Ministry of Justice in Tokyo.
Advancing Legal and Judicial Collaboration
According to the official report from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Japan, the signing ceremony was followed by a high-level bilateral meeting. Both Ministers engaged in productive discussions aimed at promoting closer cooperation, with a primary focus on:
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Knowledge Exchange: Sharing best practices in legal administration systems and judicial reforms to enhance the efficiency of the justice system.
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Capacity Building: Specialized training and education programs for legal professionals to further strengthen the rule of law in Timor-Leste.
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ASEAN Regional Integration: Harmonizing judicial standards and legal frameworks in line with Timor-Leste’s responsibilities and commitments as a full member of ASEAN.
Minister Hornai expressed his sincere appreciation for the consistent support provided by the Government of Japan. This cooperation is regarded as a strategic pillar in strengthening democratic institutions and fostering transparent and accountable legal governance, which is essential for Timor-Leste’s active role within the ASEAN regional community.
During the meeting, Minister Hiraguchi (right) and Minister Hornai (left) reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to maintain regular dialogue, ensuring the effective implementation of all points agreed upon in the signed memorandum.
This step marks a new chapter in Dili-Tokyo diplomacy, placing justice and the rule of law as the fundamental cornerstones of a sustainable future partnership.
Source of Information: Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Japan
