Media Releases
- 27 of December of 2024Day off on January 2nd 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 27th, 2024
Day off on January 2nd 2025
available soon - 25 of December of 2024Statement of His Excellency, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on the passing of Tom HylandPrime Ministermore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 24th, 2024
Statement of His Excellency, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on the passing of Tom Hyland
On the eve of Christmas, Timor-Leste lost one of its own. Tom Hyland passed away in the country he loved, surrounded by the people he dedicated his life to.
Tom was a humble and gentle man whose courage shaped our nation’s journey to independence. Outraged by the suffering of the Timorese people under occupation, he founded the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign, tirelessly working to expose the injustice occurring in our country. Through his relentless activism, he brought the plight of the Timorese to the forefront of the Irish and international conscience. His efforts were instrumental in the Irish Government’s advocacy for human rights and justice for the Timorese people.
Thanks to Tom’s lobbying, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, visited Timor-Leste in support of our right to self-determination in the lead-up to the 1999 independence referendum.
After contributing so much to our struggle, Tom made Timor-Leste his home following our independence. He was central to the relationship of solidarity between the Timorese and Irish peoples, serving as Honourary Consul of Ireland to Timor-Leste until his passing. Tom showed a quiet commitment to nation building, working at our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and teaching English to its staff. Tom was never one to seek attention, but he was always with us.
Even as his health declined, Tom would walk around Dili, supported by a cane and graced with his warm humour and knowing smile. Timorese children would often approach him, putting their forehead to his hand as a gesture of deep respect for his contribution to our people. Tom was always interested in others, a selfless man who was generous with his time and his kindness.
Towards the end of his life, Tom was saddened by the state of world affairs. He was particularly affected by the plight of the people of Gaza. Yet, he held faith in the power of ordinary people to advocate for justice and the strength of political activism to bring about change.
Tom’s humility and gentle character touched so many of our lives. He was widely loved and will be deeply missed. As we honour and celebrate his life, we should also be guided by the values he lived by, selflessness, courage, and a resolute commitment to justice and human dignity.
Tom Hyland will forever be one of us, a treasured soul in our sacred land.
Obrigado, Tom. - 21 of December of 2024Joint statement by the Prime Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Commonwealth of AustraliaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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ANTHONY ALBANESE MPPRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIAHIS EXCELLENCY KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃOPRIME MINISTER OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
JOINT STATEMENT
There is a deep reservoir of friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people. Our governments are working closely together to further our bilateral ties and our shared interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Befitting the close relationship between our countries, Australia and Timor-Leste are pleased to announce important new initiatives to support Timor-Leste’s economic development.
Australia and Timor-Leste are committed to ensuring that the development of the Greater Sunrise Fields in the Timor Sea delivers long-term benefits for the people of Timor-Leste, consistent with the historic Treaty Between Australia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Establishing Their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea (the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty).
The 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty created a special regime for the development of the Greater Sunrise Fields. Over the past two years, Australia’s Special Representative for Greater Sunrise, the Honourable Steve Bracks AC, has worked closely with the Australian and Timor-Leste Governments and the private sector to create the conditions for the development of this strategic resource.
To support Timor-Leste’s wishes to secure long-term economic growth, improve living standards and diversify its economy, Australia has proposed to make a significant investment in Timor-Leste’s future through the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure fund, capitalised from part of Australia’s share of future revenue from the Greater Sunrise project. Australia would establish the infrastructure fund to support any commercially viable solution proposed by the commercial parties which had been agreed to by the States consistent with the requirements of the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty. It is estimated that a successful project could deliver billions of dollars to the Timor-Leste infrastructure fund over the life of the project, making it a nation building initiative.
Australia and Timor-Leste look forward to continuing to work with the relevant commercial parties towards our shared objective of realising the development of the Greater Sunrise project.
Recognising Timor-Leste’s ambition to create more employment opportunities, the Australian Government is also making an unprecedented investment in Timor-Leste’s work force. The Timor-Leste-Australia Labour Mobility and Skills Partnership will provide nearly $50 million over four years to equip more Timorese workers with job-ready skills. This investment will include funding for a new recruitment and training centre in Dili, a boost for high-quality English language training, and enhanced access to Australian-recognised qualifications. Through this Partnership, Timor-Leste and Australia will work together to support Timor-Leste’s goal of enabling 10,000 Timorese workers to take up employment opportunities in Australia by 2027-28, including through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. These efforts will have a particular focus on semi-skilled positions.
The Prime Ministers of Timor-Leste and Australia look forward to the opportunity to mark these significant initiatives in-person in the coming year, as a demonstration of the commitment of both countries to the development of Greater Sunrise and the strength of the bilateral relationship.
SATURDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 of December of 2024Day off on December 24th 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 19th, 2024
Day off on December 24th 2024
available soon - 19 of December of 2024Timor-Leste expresses solidarity with Vanuatu after devastating earthquakePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 19th, 2024
Timor-Leste expresses solidarity with Vanuatu after devastating earthquake
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deep solidarity with the people and Government of Vanuatu following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that ravaged the country on December 17th, 2024. This disaster caused tragic loss of life, injuries to hundreds of people and significant damage to infrastructure.
The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, has sent a letter to his Vanuatu counterpart, Charlot Salwai, to express his “heartfelt condolences to the people of Vanuatu in the wake of the devastating earthquakes that have ravaged your country” and to express Timor-Leste's support in this time of need.
“This tragic loss of life from the earthquakes is heartbreaking and has left us with sorrow. The Timorese people feel a great sense of connection and solidarity with the Ni-Vanuatu. Your people have always supported us, including during the dark days of the occupation of our country. At this time, we are most concerned with the situation facing the Ni-Vanuatu given the widespread damage that has been caused”.
In the letter, the Head of Government also wished his counterpart “and the people of Vanuatu all the strength and resilience that is needed to overcome this disaster” and expressed confidence in the Vanuatu Government's leadership to face the challenges of reconstruction: “While the recovery efforts will be very difficult, I have confidence that with your leadership Vanuatu will be able to respond to the disaster and start the rebuilding process”.
On behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, the Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, expressed “deep sorrow for the tragic loss of human life and the enormous difficulties faced by the people of Vanuatu 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”. - 18 of December of 2024Christmas Message from the Government of Timor-Leste: Hope, Unity and Commitment to the FuturePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 18th, 2024
Christmas Message from the Government of Timor-Leste: Hope, Unity and Commitment to the Future
AVAILABLE SOON - 16 of December of 2024Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 16th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 16th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law for the First Amendment to Decree-Law No. 1/2015, of January 14th, on the Special Development Fund. The draft Decree-Law was presented by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region Authority (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese), Rogério Tiago de Fátima Lobato, and the Coordinator of the Executive Committee for the establishment of the Special Economic Development Zone in Oe-Cússe Ambeno (ZEEDOA – acronym in Portuguese), João Mendes Gonçalves.
This Decree-Law aims to adapt the RAEOA Special Development Fund to the new provisions of Law 18/2023 of November 30th, which abolished the Oe-Cússe Ambeno and Ataúro Special Social Market Economy Zone and provides for the creation of a new Special Economic Zone. The duties and objectives of the Fund are redefined, and it will also be under the supervision of the Prime Minister.
The Decree-Law provides for implementing a transitional regime for the Special Development Fund, providing it with management tools and operational capacity to initiate priority development projects, prepare an efficient management structure and finance multi-annual strategic projects of a social and economic nature. These measures aim to guarantee a response to the entire development strategy for Oe-Cússe Ambeno in the medium and long term, with tangible benefits for the population of Oe-Cússe in particular and Timor-Leste in general.
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The Council of Ministers approved Timor-Leste's initial proposals, presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, for accession to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), as part of the process of negotiating Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN.
The proposed modalities outline the guiding principles for the negotiations, considering Timor-Leste's context. Among the objectives is the progressive fulfilment of commitments to liberalise goods and services, in line with ASEAN standards but with due flexibility, to ensure that the obligations assumed are proportionate to Timor-Leste's current level of development and its institutional capacities. This framework aims to balance regional integration and safeguard national strategic and economic interests, promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in the country's production and services sectors.
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Following the project presented by the Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira and the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, the Council of Ministers decided to name the new Central Building of Radio and Television of Timor-Leste, Public Company (RTTL, EP), after Francisco Borja da Costa, the RTTL, EP Auditorium after Nino Konis Santana, and the RTTL, EP Multifunction Studio after David Alex 'Daitula'.
The current building of the Radio and Television of Timor-Leste has suffered several damages in recent years, mainly caused by flooding. Therefore, the construction of a new building is necessary to significantly improve the quality of the services provided by this public company.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building is scheduled for December 19th, 2024.
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The Council of Ministers has approved a draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, concerning the regime for importing, storing, distributing, selling, and exporting pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.
This Decree-Law aims to replace Decree-Law 12/2004 of May 26th, adapting the legal framework to social, economic, and regulatory changes, both domestically and internationally. The new regulations promote separating import, storage, and distribution activities from pharmacy retail sales, ensuring greater specialisation and strengthening public health protection. The activity of selling pharmaceutical products and medical equipment is also separated from the activity of providing medical, nursing, diagnostic or therapeutic healthcare in pharmacies, the latter being prohibited in pharmacies. There is also a ban on the ownership of more than one pharmacy per municipality and price coordination, preventing situations of oligopoly or monopoly that could jeopardise the population's access to pharmaceutical products.
Among the main amendments is the requirement for specific conditions for storing and selling pharmaceutical products, such as strict temperature control, humidity, and light. The law also provides for differentiated spaces, both for storage and retail sales, for the storage and preservation of narcotics and psychotropic substances, and for pharmaceutical products ordered to be withdrawn from the market, expired, falsified, adulterated, or broken.
The Decree-Law also establishes the mandatory existence of a permanent and exclusive technical director, a pharmacist, and the submission of monthly reports to the Ministry of Health, which should include import, storage, and sales activities.
The new regime introduces reinforced inspection measures and penalties, intending to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products available on the market. It also provides for a 180-day transition period, allowing organisations currently operating to adapt to the new rules. The law comes into force the day after its publication, revoking Decree-Law 12/2004, of May 26th.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, to establish administrative fees due for acts and services relating to controlling weight limits for goods transport vehicles.
The Decree-Law regulates the administrative acts and services associated with checking the weight of goods transport vehicles subject to the payment of fees, defining the respective values to comply with the Authorised Weight of Goods Transport Vehicles Regime. The fees for ordinary weighing vary according to the number of wheels on the vehicle: US$30 for vehicles with four wheels, US$35 for vehicles with six wheels, US$40 for vehicles with eight wheels and US$45 for vehicles with ten or more wheels. Check weighing, carried out after excess weight has been removed, has a fixed cost of US$5 per excess kilogram.
The law also establishes the maximum authorised weight limits per vehicle category: 5,000 kg for vehicles with two axles and four wheels, 8,500 kg for vehicles with two axles and six wheels, 15,500 kg for vehicles with three axles and six wheels, and 18,000 kg for vehicles with three axles and ten wheels. Vehicles in the service of the State, defence and security forces, diplomatic missions and other public entities are exempt from these regulations. The circulation of vehicles will be prohibited until the outstanding fees and excess weight have been settled, and the penalties laid down in the legislation will apply in the event of non-compliance.
This Decree-Law aims to contribute to the preservation of road infrastructure, improve safety in motor traffic and guarantee compliance with legal regulations by freight transport operators.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved a draft Decree-Law to regulate the right to a medical check-up provided for in the Statute of Holders of Sovereign Bodies. END - 13 of December of 2024Government Congratulates F-FDTL Land Component on its 22nd AnniversaryPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 13th, 2024
Government Congratulates F-FDTL Land Component on its 22nd Anniversary
December 13th, 2024 will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Land Component of FALINTIL - Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL). The commemorative ceremony will take place in Lanud, in the municipality of Baucau.
On this occasion, the Government praises the commitment, discipline and professionalism of the men and women who make up the F-FDTL, recognizing their contribution to the stability and development of Timor-Leste.
The IX Constitutional Government also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the F-FDTL, continuing with the modernization and consolidation of national defense and security institutions.
The program of commemorations will include military honors, official speeches, tributes to national heroes and military promotions. Among the highlights will be speeches by the Minister of Defense, Rear Admiral Donaciano Costa Gomes and the Chief of Staff of the F-FDTL, Lieutenant General Domingos Raúl “Falur Rate Laek”.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, emphasized that “the F-FDTL are a symbol of courage and dedication, a pillar of national sovereignty and an example of professionalism” and reiterated that “the Government will continue to invest in strengthening their capabilities so that they can respond to the challenges of the present and the future, honoring the legacy of our national heroes”. END
