Ambassador Tetsuya met with Gutteres to discuss cooperation in maritime security, in which he announced the patrol boat donation, a statement said, without specifying when the boats will be donated.

"Today’s offering of four boats is for them to be utilised to help protect this country’s rich coastlines and marine wealth,” Kimura told journalists after the meeting.

Japan, along with Australia, are among the countries that help equip Timor-Leste’s navy force.

Gutteres said talks with Tetsuya also touched on Japan supporting arts and cultural events in Timor-Leste set for 2024.