Media Releases
- 21 of November of 2024Day off on November 29th 2024 on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-LestePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 21st, 2024
Day off on November 29th 2024 on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste
available soon - 21 of November of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 21st, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 21st, 2024
available soon - 07 of November of 2024Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump on his victory in the US presidential electionsPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 7th, 2024
Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses his congratulations to Donald J. Trump its “sincere congratulations on [his] comprehensive victory in the Presidential election”, in a letter sent by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on November 7th 2024.
In the letter, the Prime Minister emphasises that Donald Trump's electoral victory “reflects the support and trust the American people have placed in [his] leadership and [his] policies for [his] nation”.
The message also emphasises that “the United States and Timor-Leste share a strong relationship of friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles”.
This “partnership, and this bond has contributed significantly to Timor-Leste’s development and international engagement,” added the Prime Minister.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also expressed confidence that, under Donald Trump's Presidency, “the bonds between our two nations will strengthen, fostering increased collaboration across areas of mutual interest”. “The Government of Timor-Leste looks forward to working closely with you and your administration to advance our shared goals and further deepen our bilateral relationship”, the Prime Minister said. ENDS - 04 of November of 2024Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain for the Floods in the Region of ValenciaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 4th, 2024
Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain for the Floods in the Region of Valencia
The 9th Constitutional Government expresses its deepest sympathy to the People and Government of Spain for the tragic floods that devastated the Valencia region between late October and early November 2024. This natural disaster, triggered by an isolated High Altitude Depression (HAPD), caused torrential rains that resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people, most of them in the province of Valencia, and the destruction of infrastructure, homes and agricultural areas.
The images captured by the European Copernicus programme reveal the magnitude of the damage, with extensive areas flooded and infrastructure severely affected. Local authorities continue to face significant challenges in assisting the population and recovering the affected areas.
On behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, Minister Agio Pereira, the Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, expressed ‘deep sorrow for the tragic loss of human life and the enormous difficulties faced by the Spanish people at this time of pain and hardship’. He added that ‘our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we recognise the heroic efforts of the rescue teams and professionals who continue to support the communities affected by this disaster’. END - 30 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 30th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 30th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution that extends, until April 10th, 2025, the suspension of the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts and the temporary closure of all places and facilities intended for the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts, initially approved by Government Resolution no. 45/2023, of November 10th, and extended by Government Resolution no. 17/2024, of April 24th.
This Government Resolution aims to consolidate and strengthen the social peace achieved since November 2023. With a considered and controlled approach, the aim is to allow martial arts to be practised exclusively in a sporting context in the future, promoting healthy exercise and contributing to young people's education and civic and humanistic training. However, martial arts teaching, learning, and practice remain suspended, and so does the temporary closure of the respective facilities.
The Government congratulates the population, particularly young people, for their cooperation in complying with Government Resolution 17/2024 of April 24th, which has contributed significantly to maintaining order and social peace throughout the country.
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The draft Decree-Law on the Seniority-based Promotion Scheme for Civil Service Career Staff, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, was also approved.
This legislative initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have been unable to achieve promotions based on merit over the last few years. The scheme is based on criteria such as seniority, performance evaluation, age, professional training, service in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance. The law states that promotion by seniority will take place annually and will be carried out through an internal competition regulated by the Civil Service Commission, which determines the vacancies available for each grade and professional category.
This seniority-based promotion system is expected to reduce career stagnation among civil servants. It values the dedication of long years to public service, especially for those who find it challenging to participate in conventional competitions.
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Lastly, the draft Government Resolution, presented by The Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, on compliance with the enrolment and contribution obligations under the Contributory Social Security Scheme, was approved.
This Government Resolution reinforces the State's duty, enshrined in Article 56 of the Constitution of the Republic, to organise a social security system that protects all workers in the country, in the public and private sectors, and ensures the right to social security and assistance. Established by Law no. 12/2016, of November 14th, the social security system has been in force since 2017. It defines the responsibilities of employers, including the registration of workers and the monthly submission of remuneration statements to the National Social Security Institute (INSS).
This Government Resolution stipulates that all entities in the State's direct and indirect administration must regularise the registration of their workers with the INSS by November 15th, 2024, and submit monthly pay statements by the 15th of each month. The INSS provides the necessary tables on its website and will present a list of non-compliant entities to the Council of Ministers by November 30th, 2024.
Failure to comply with this Resolution shall render those responsible for the services and entities of the State's direct and indirect administration with competence for the enrolment of workers and the monthly delivery of Remuneration Statements liable to civil, financial, reinstatement and disciplinary action. END - 24 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 24th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 24th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 42/2008, of November 26th, which transformed Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (Radio and Television of Timor-Leste) (RTTL, E.P.) into a public company.
The proposed amendments aim to adapt Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL, E.P.) to new technological and administrative requirements by introducing digital terrestrial television. The new law allows RTTL, E.P. to broadcast and manage digital channels, enabling greater flexibility in content distribution and obtaining additional revenue. As well as making it possible to broadcast free-to-air channels nationally and internationally, it will also be possible to introduce post-paid and pre-paid services, thus reinforcing its financial sustainability.
The project also provides for the elimination of the Opinion Council, which has never been implemented since the creation of RTTL, E.P., and the creation of the position of Executive Director, reporting directly to the President of the public company, who will support the administrative and financial management of the company, ensuring continuity and good governance. These amendments are intended to strengthen competitiveness and the quality of the services provided to the public, ensuring a modern, efficient broadcaster in line with industry standards.
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The Council of Ministers has decided to grant a day off on October 31st, 2024, considering that November 1st and 2nd are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, dates of great importance to the Catholic community and provided for as national holidays by Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, amended by Law no. 3/2016, of May 25th. This decision aims to make it easier for people to travel to their hometowns and participate in religious celebrations. END
- 18 of Outubro of 2024Timor-Leste Welcomes the Chairman’s Statement of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related SummitsMinister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperationmore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Timor-Leste Welcomes the Chairman’s Statement of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits
Timor-Leste congratulates ASEAN and Lao People’s Democratic Republic for the successful conclusion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits from 9-11 October 2024. We also express our gratitude to Lao PDR for their leadership throughout the year.
We welcome the decision to support the implementation of the “objective and criteria-based Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN.” Timor-Leste appreciates the positive momentum towards our journey to accession into ASEAN and extends our sincere gratitude to ASEAN for recognizing our ongoing efforts. We also express our appreciation to member states for their continued support and commitment to this important process.
As a mark of progress, Timor-Leste looks forward to fulfilling the Roadmap criteria towards our full membership of ASEAN. Intense preparations are underway to ensure accession to the ASEAN agreements and legal instruments under the three pillars, as stipulated in the Roadmap.
Timor-Leste has undertaken several key steps towards ASEAN accession, including nationwide advocacy campaigns and dialogues to amplify ASEAN awareness, participation in capacity-building and leadership programs, and strengthening bilateral relationships with all ASEAN Member States. Timor-Leste also has an extensive technical work program, to introduce ASEAN legal frameworks into its national policy development, ensuring alignment and integration of government policies and regulatory frameworks with ASEAN standards.
Leadership at the highest levels of the Timorese Government has driven the accession process. The Timor-Leste Council of Ministers adopted a resolution to establish an inter-ministerial technical working group for ASEAN accession, which has catalyzed a dynamic whole-of-government work plan. Most recently, the 9th Constitutional Government has appointed a Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs to expedite the work for accession and oversees the Directorate-General for ASEAN Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, which coordinates and leads the accession process.
Timor-Leste remains committed towards this process and will continue to cooperate with ASEAN and dialogue partners on our journey towards full membership.
Finally, the Government of Timor-Leste also welcomes Malaysia’s Chairmanship in 2025, and looks forward to working closely with the Chair on matters of regional cooperation, including Timor-Leste’s accession. ENDS - 18 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 18th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 18th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and the Executive Director of the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting, Joel Maria Pereira, for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 91/2022, of December 22, on the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting.
Decree-Law no. 91/2022 created the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting with the mission of drawing up and implementing the National Plan to Combat Stunting and promoting coordination between government bodies in the fight against child malnutrition. However, although the National Plan to Combat Stunting has been completed, the planned measures have not yet been fully implemented.
To ensure the continuity of this work, the Government intends to extend the mandate of the Mission Unit until December 31st, 2030, allowing the plan to be fully implemented and the high rate of stunting in Timor-Leste to be combated. This amendment also aims to adjust the new ministerial framework resulting from the organization of the Ninth Constitutional Government, whereby the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting is now under the supervision of the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs. This draft Decree-Law also aims to ensure effective and efficient coordination between the various government departments and Public Administration bodies in carrying out the responsibilities related to nutritional security assigned in the Plan.
At the previous meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Annual National Multisectoral Plan to Combat Stunting for the period 2024 to 2030 was also approved, with the aim of reducing the stunting rate and improving nutritional health in Timor-Leste.
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The Council of Ministers endorsed the agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on measures to Improve Resilience and Livelihoods in the Rural Sector, presented by the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino. This agreement aims to increase the resilience of around 46,000 people in the rural areas of the Manatuto Municipality.
This project mainly aims to improve access to water, promote the adoption of smart agricultural practices adapted to climate change and strengthen the institutional and organizational capacities of rural communities. The initiative, in line with the priorities of the Ninth Constitutional Government, includes investments in hydro infrastructure, training of agricultural groups and the development of more diversified livelihoods that are resilient to climate change. It is also planned that this rural development model to be implemented in Manatuto will be replicated in other municipalities, thus promoting the sustainable development of Timor-Leste.
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Finally, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law establishing the Community Revitalization Programme, also presented by the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino.
The program aims to promote the economic and social development of rural communities by supporting productive activities in the agriculture, fishing, livestock, forestry and horticulture sectors, as well as infrastructure and equipment of collective interest. Aligned with the principles of sustainability, social inclusion and community participation, the program provides grants for community projects to strengthen local capacities and promote community resilience throughout the country. END
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