Media Releases
- 11 of February of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 11th 2026Presidency 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 February 11th 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal presented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, to establish the Timor-Leste Bar Association (OATL – acronym in Portuguese) and to approve its statutes.
The purpose of this law is to establish the Timor-Leste Bar Association as a public professional association responsible for regulating access to and the practice of the legal profession, representing the profession, and defining the rules applicable to the organisation, functioning, and discipline of lawyers and trainee lawyers.
The initiative establishes the legal framework for the OATL, defining its powers, bodies, competencies, and operating mechanisms, as well as the principles governing the practice of the profession, thereby strengthening the organisation of the legal profession and consolidating the national justice system.
The law also approves the Legal Regime for Law Firms, which defines the conditions for the incorporation, organisation, and operation of these firms, with the aim of regulating the collective practice of law, promoting greater transparency, and ensuring compliance with professional and ethical rules.
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Following a proposal by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers authorised an expenditure of US$121.9 million to transfer funds from the General State Budget to EDTL, EP, under the “802 Electricity” programme, with a view to ensuring the public service of electricity supply.
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Also at the proposal of the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise the expenditure and to open a procurement procedure for the construction of a drinking water supply system in Baucau, a structural project designed to ensure the regular and safe supply of water fit for human consumption to the population of that municipality.
The project, based on previously validated technical studies, is estimated to cost approximately US$23.4 million and aims to improve public health and the quality of life for local communities.
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The draft Decree-Law presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira on the Special Career Regime for Professional Firefighters in Timor-Leste was approved.
With this decree-law, the Government aims to establish a specific status for professional firefighters in Timor-Leste, recognising the specialised nature of their duties as specialised civil protection agents and the importance of their role in protecting human life and property and responding to emergencies, accidents, and disasters throughout the country.
The proposed regime aims to define the professional firefighter career as a special civil service, establishing its hierarchical structure, categories, and positions, as well as the rules for recruitment, training, progression, and promotion. With this initiative, the Government seeks to enhance and dignify the career, ensure greater stability and a professional framework, and strengthen the response capacity of the national civil protection system.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, regarding the temporary suspension and review of the Public Competition for Admission to the Training Course for Officers of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).
With this decision, the Government aims to ensure the transparency, legality, and credibility of the recruitment process, taking into account the doubts and concerns raised by candidates and various entities regarding compliance with certain requirements and the regularity of certain stages of the competition. In this regard, the Government Resolution provides for the temporary suspension of the competition and the strengthening of supervisory and inspection mechanisms.
The decision also provides for the restructuring of the Monitoring and Oversight Commission, including the integration of independent national and international members, and a comprehensive review of all stages of the tender process, with a view to fully ascertaining the facts and, where appropriate, adopting corrective measures. This procedure aims to strengthen citizens' trust in public institutions and ensure that access to the National Police of Timor-Leste is fair, impartial, and in accordance with the law.
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, gave a presentation on the programme and budgetary plan for the pro tempore Presidency of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), assumed by Timor-Leste for the period 2026-2027. Information was provided on the series of ministerial meetings, technical meetings, sectoral initiatives, and institutional activities planned, including the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the CPLP, which will be marked on July 17, as well as the respective schedules, venues, and funding parameters.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the theme “Consolidation of the Democratic Rule of Law - Challenges for the CPLP” for the pro tempore Presidency of the international Portuguese-speaking organisation, assumed by Timor-Leste for the period 2026-2027. END - 10 of February of 2026Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect António Seguro on his victory in the Portuguese presidential electionsPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
Press Release
Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect António Seguro on his victory in the Portuguese presidential elections
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste congratulates the President-elect, António José Seguro, on his election as President of the Portuguese Republic, extending our best wishes for a successful term in service to the nation. The resounding outcome of the electoral process reflects the confidence placed in his leadership by the Portuguese people, who turned out to exercise their democratic right despite the challenges of recent days.
Timor-Leste and Portugal share a historic friendship grounded in language, heritage and long-standing ties between our peoples. This relationship, forged through history and sustained through cooperation, remains a source of strength for our partnership today.
At a time of global transition and uncertainty, Timor-Leste recognises Portugal’s important place in global efforts to uphold multilateralism, equality and humanitarian values. Timor-Leste’s looks forward to working with President-elect Seguro to deepen our bilateral relationship and to advance international cooperation, solidarity and human dignity. This includes through our shared commitment to the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, which remains a central pillar of cooperation among Lusophone nations.
The Government of Timor-Leste looks forward to continuing to work closely with Portugal during President-elect Seguro’s mandate, in a spirit of friendship, respect and shared purpose. END
- 04 of February of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 4th 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Proposal to approve Timor-Leste's accession to the ASEAN Visa Exemption Framework Agreement.
✅ 2 - Civil Registry Code.
✅ 3 - First Amendment to the Judicial Officers Statute.
✅ 4 - Establishment of the National Council for the Organisation of Timor-Leste's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
✅ 5 - Curriculum of the National Secondary Education Equivalency Program.
✅ 6 - Donation to the Portuguese Republic to support response and recovery efforts following damage caused by severe storms that hit the country.
Analysed:
➡️ 1 - Presentation on Timor-Leste's participation in the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting and the ASEAN Ministers of Foreign Affairs Retreat. - 30 of January of 2026Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 30th 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Oe-Cússe Ambeno Region Statute.
✅ 2 - Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Development Fund.
✅ 3 - Exceptional suspension of the retirement age limit for current general officers holding the positions of CEMGFA, Vice-CEMGFA and CEMFA.
✅ 4 - Ratification of the list of military personnel who, on December 31st, 2025, will transition to reserve status and the list of veteran military personnel who will transition to retirement status. - 28 of January of 2026Joint Declaration on Establishing a Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (New Partnership for a New Era) between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of AustraliaTimor-Leste and Australia are partners and neighbours with a shared history, values, region and future. Recognising the strength of the partnership, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia decide to establish a Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (“Parseria”), which is Tetum for a New Partnership for a New Era. In declaring the Parseria, both Governments commit to ongoing cooperation, consultation and mutual respect for national sovereignty.more
- 27 of January of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 27th 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Public Subsidy Grant Scheme by the Civil Society Support Office (GASC).
✅ 2 - Appointment of the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Radio and Television of Timor-Leste, EP.
✅ 3 - First amendment to the Public Debt Scheme.
✅ 4 - Establishment of the General Administrative Fees Regime.
✅ 5 - Donation to the Republic of Mozambique, following the floods that have severely affected that country. - 21 of January of 2026Media Statement by the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste On the Entry into Force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)On 17 January 2026, the third Implementing Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) entered into force.more
- 21 of January of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 21st 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Proposal to the National Parliament for approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Australia and Timor-Leste on Technical Cooperation for Development.
✅ 2 - First amendment to the organic law of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
✅ 3 - Establishment of Fees Due for Public Administration Acts and Services Relating to Motor Vehicles and their Drivers.
✅ 4 - Regulation on the Allocation of Registration Numbers and the Issuance and Display of License Plates for Motor Vehicles and their Trailers.
Analysed:
➡️ 1 - Presentation on Timor-Leste's participation in the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (ASEAN SOM) and the ASEAN Ministers of Foreign Affairs Retreat (AMM Retreat).
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