24 November 2025, Dili – A delegation from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) conducted an official visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC) in Dili, Timor-Leste. The delegation was composed of Mrs. Kathryn Clarkson, Head of Delegation and Representative to ASEAN and the Country Cluster for Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, and Timor-Leste; Mr. Awan Diga Resto, IFRC External Liaison and Membership Services; and Mr. Macario Lopes, IFRC Program Senior Officer in Dili. They were accompanied by Ms. Vidiana Xareal, External Relations Coordinator of Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL).
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen diplomatic relations and to provide a clear presentation of the IFRC’s role, mandate, mission, and vision to the Government of Timor-Leste. The delegation highlighted the ongoing humanitarian contributions of IFRC and CVTL, underscoring their commitment to supporting communities across the country.
During the meeting, both parties discussed ways to enhance humanitarian cooperation, improve coordination mechanisms, and reinforce alignment of program priorities between IFRC, CVTL, and the Government of Timor-Leste.
Mr. Jorge Camões, Interim Secretary General of MNEC, expressed his appreciation for the visit, emphasizing that humanitarian services play a vital role in national and international engagement. He noted that such collaboration also strengthens multilateral connectivity, reaffirming MNEC’s continued support for humanitarian diplomacy.
The IFRC delegation also exchanged information on emergency response initiatives, community-based programs, and future plans aimed at further assisting vulnerable communities throughout Timor-Leste.
