Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has assured East Timor that Australia will continue to bolster the fledgling nation's security as it struggles to restore lasting stability.

Mr Rudd is in Dili today on his first official visit as Prime Minister and has held talks with the country's Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, and the President, Jose Ramos Horta.

East Timor has pushed for a commitment from Australia to maintain a troop presence in the country until the end of 2008.

Mr Rudd has given no time frame, but promised Australia will continue to offer its help.

"We've spoken today about our cooperation in the area of security," he said.

"I've noted carefully what has been said about the requirements for 2008 and from our point of view, as the Australian Government, we stand ready assist our friends in Timor Leste with their continuing security needs.

"We look forward to the day when Timor Leste assumes its own responsibility in relation to security matters.

"But I agree with Jose [Ramos Horta] when he said these things have to be progressed in a calm and methodical way to ensure that stability and security of the people in Timor Leste is best guaranteed."

President Ramos Horta says East Timor needs foreign security forces beyond next year.

"I have reiterated to the Prime Minister that we believe that ISF (International Security Force) should stay until the end of 2008 at least," he said.

"We will review it along the way together with the United Nations and Australia and that international police force will involve the UN itself and stay here up to 2011."

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is also making his first visit to East Timor