The Timor Sea Conciliation and Treaty: Timor-Leste’s Perspective

Abstract

The delimitation of maritime boundaries between Timor-Leste and Australia was a historic process initiated under the compulsory conciliation mechanism in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The resulting Treaty between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Australia Establishing their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea (‘Timor Sea Treaty’) reflects a remarkable achievement for the young nation of Timor-Leste in securing its sovereign maritime rights. This contribution examines the historical context which led to the Timor Sea Treaty, the challenges faced during the negotiation process, and the significance of the Timor Sea Treaty to the renewed relationship between the two countries.