Ambassador To Timor-Leste

Media release

12 February 2014

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Peter Doyle as Australia's next Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

Mr Doyle is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose most recent posting was as Ambassador to Turkey. He has served as both the Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor/Head of the Political and Economic Section at the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur

Mr Doyle was formerly the Assistant Secretary of the European Union and Western Europe Branch. He holds a Bachelor of Laws/Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Queensland.

Australia and Timor-Leste share a long history and close relationship working as partners for development and regional security. Our close geographical proximity and strong people-to-people links form a strong foundation to our bilateral relationship.

As Timor-Leste's largest development assistance partner, Australia is committed to working in line with Timor-Leste's priorities to improve outcomes in health, education, water and sanitation, agricultural development and governance.

Australia continues to support stability in Timor-Leste through its bilateral defence and police capacity building programs.

Australia and Timor-Leste are expanding into new areas of cooperation, including through the participation of Timorese workers in Australia's Seasonal Worker Program, which provides mutually-beneficial opportunities for both countries.

Australia and Timor-Leste have shared interests in the management and development of oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea. Revenue derived from these resources makes an important contribution to the development of Timor-Leste.

Both countries are committed to trilateral cooperation with Indonesia to enhance regional connectivity and economic development. He is expected to take up his appointment this month replacing Mr Miles Armitage.