East Timor could become the next Dubai or Singapore if Australian resources giant Woodside agreed to pipe gas there instead of Darwin for processing, the island nation’s President Jose Ramos-Horta said as he steps up pressure on Anthony Albanese to support the project.

Australia and East Timor also agreed to upgrade defence co-operation ties, particularly in maritime security and surveillance, during the president’s visit to Canberra, amid concern over China’s growing presence in the region.