Defence Minister Phil Goff has met with East Timor's top political leaders to look at what help is needed to boost the fledgling nation's ability to police and defend itself.
Mr Goff said he held talks with prime minister Xanana Gusmao and acting president Fernando Lasama, while visitingEast Timor this week.
He also visited the country's president Jose Ramos Horta, who has been recuperating from gunshot wounds received in an assassination attempt on February 11.
Mr Goff said exploring what help could be given to boost East Timor's security capacity was discussed, as New Zealand could not indefinitely continue its deployment of 25 police, 142 soldiers and 32 airforce personnel in the country.
The police and troops were sent as part on an international stabilisation force sent in 2006 after widespread unrest.
"To be able to withdraw those forces we need to help Timor Leste better develop its own capability to keep peace and address the causes of its problems," Mr Goff said.
He said he discussed New Zealand's deployment with Timorese defence force chief Taur Matan Ruak.
He said Mr Horta, who remained in Darwin where he has been recuperating, was thinking clearly but was "some time" off a full recovery.
Mr Horta wanted to return to East Timor within the next two months, but might not be able to immediately resume his full duties, Mr Goff said.
