Ramos-Horta says $74bn Timor Sea gas project could begin within months if Australia signs treaty

President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, says development of the Greater Sunrise gas field must include processing in his country, not in Darwin. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

The $74bn Greater Sunrise gas project, which has been decades in the making, could be under way by the end of the year, the Timor-Leste president, José Ramos-Horta, said.

But he also said the pipeline and accompanying processing work must go to his nation, not Darwin.