Fiji, Oct. 27 -- Australia sees Timor-Leste as a critical link in its regional security network, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles saying a new defence framework with Dili strengthens Canberra's efforts to build closer security ties with countries surrounding Australia.
Marles said the agreement with Timor-Leste completed a wider push by the Albanese government to deepen security relationships across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
In an interview with ABC, Marles said Timor-Leste had always been strategically important to Australia, but the government had placed greater emphasis on engagement with the region.
"It is a neighbour, it's right there. And it matters that we have the strongest level of engagement possible with Timor-L...