english version available soon

O Conselho de Ministros aprovou um voto de congratulação ao povo português pelo 50.º Aniversário da Revolução do 25 de abril de 1974 e pelo exemplo de reconquista pacifica da liberdade e democracia.

A Revolução dos Cravos, como é conhecida, além de derrubar um regime ditatorial e opressor em Portugal, ajudou a consolidar as fundações para a independência de Timor-Leste, como República Democrática de Timor-Leste, a 28 de novembro de 1975.

Foi o sonho da liberdade e democracia do povo português que permitiu a todo o povo timorense sonhar e acreditar que a liberdade, a democracia e a independência estavam próximas. Hoje, como em 1974, construímos os nossos futuros fraternalmente, em conjunto.

Por isso, Timor-Leste e o seu povo celebram em conjunto com Portugal e os portugueses os 50 anos do 25 de abril. Neste sentido, o Conselho de Ministros deliberou também conceder tolerância de ponto amanhã, dia 25 de abril, durante todo o dia.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 24h, 2024

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal for legislative authorisation on setting the age limit for the employment relationship of civil servants and administrative agents, presented by the acting Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Adérito Hugo da Costa.

With this draft Law Proposal, the Government wants the National Parliament to authorise it to set the age limit as a cause for terminating the employment relationship in the Civil Service.

This draft Law Proposal aims to establish the necessary mechanisms to rejuvenate professionals in the national Public Administration, making it possible to bring new skills into the civil service. Renewing civil service staff is an essential measure to improve the services provided to the population.

*****

The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution on the donation of US$150,000 to the Amílcar Cabral Foundation in Cape Verde to support the organisation of the Centenary Commemorations of the birth of Amílcar Cabral, which will take place on September 12^th, 2024.

Amílcar Cabral was a revolutionary leader from Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. He founded and led the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC – acronym in Portuguese). He played an essential role in organising armed resistance against colonialism and defending the unification of the Guinean and Cape Verdean peoples in the quest for freedom and an egalitarian society.

The Amílcar Cabral Foundation invited Timor-Leste to join the celebrations, which highlighted the bonds of friendship, solidarity, and mutual support between the peoples.

Recognising the importance of Amílcar Cabral’s legacy, the Government of Timor-Leste wishes to honour his memory and his commitment to the struggle against colonialism, for freedom, and the self-determination of peoples. This donation reflects Timor-Leste’s constitutional commitment to the principles of national independence and the right of peoples to self-determination, independence, and cooperation between peoples.

*****

The draft Decree-Law for the first amendment to the Special Procurement Regime for His Holiness the Pope’s visit and the implementation of the 2024 General State Budget, presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, was also approved.

This draft Decree-Law adjusts current legal procedures to ensure efficient and swift preparation for the papal visit to Timor-Leste, which has been confirmed for September 9^th to 11^th, 2024.

The current legal framework has formalities that are not suited to the urgency of the preparations, and administrative flexibility is necessary for the successful organisation of the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis. It is therefore proposed that the procurement processes be simplified by adopting measures that guarantee agility in the processes and clarifying the rules for executing expenditure to allow adequate circulation of resources between the entities involved in organising the papal visit. This project thus aims to ensure that Timor-Leste can organise an event of great magnitude and international importance with the necessary effectiveness, efficiency and speed.

*****

Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved a vote of congratulations to the Portuguese people on the 50th anniversary of the Revolution of April 25^th, 1974 and for the example of the peaceful reconquest of freedom and democracy.

The Carnation Revolution, as it is known, brought down a dictatorial and oppressive regime in Portugal and helped lay the foundations for Timor-Leste’s independence as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on 28 November 1975.

The Portuguese people’s dream of freedom and democracy allowed all the Timorese people to dream and believe that freedom, democracy, and independence were close at hand. Today, as in 1974, we build our futures fraternally together.

Timor-Leste and its people are, therefore, celebrating the 50th anniversary of April 25^th with Portugal and the Portuguese. With this in mind, the Council of Ministers has also decided to grant a day off tomorrow, April 25^th, for the entire day. END

9 am, Government Palace

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

April 23rd, 2024

Press Release

Timor-Leste statement on the escalation of conflicts in Myanmar

Timor-Leste stands in full solidarity with the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Escalation of Conflicts in Myanmar, issued on April 18, 2024. We share ASEAN’s deep concern regarding the recent escalation of conflicts in Myanmar, particularly in the areas of Myawaddy, Kayin State, along the Myanmar-Thailand border, and in Rakhine State, resulting in the displacement of civilians.

Timor-Leste echoes ASEAN’s call for an immediate cessation of violence, the upholding of international humanitarian law, and the protection of all civilians, including foreign nationals and citizens of ASEAN Member States. We support the urgent steps towards mitigating the impact of conflicts on civilians and stress the importance of creating a safe environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid without discrimination.

Timor-Leste also supports the AHA Center’s efforts and Thailand’s humanitarian cross-border initiative, aligned with the Five-Point Consensus and coordinated through the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar.

Furthermore, Timor-Leste extends its support to the Lao PDR ASEAN Chair and its Special Envoy on Myanmar in their continued engagements with all stakeholders in Myanmar and the mechanisms Myanmar owns and Myanmar leads. END

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

April 23rd, 2024

Press Release

Timor-Leste statement on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 

Timor-Leste follows closely the developments in the Middle East with deep concern and Timor-Leste firmly supports a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Timor-Leste supports the right of the peoples of Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace, with dignity, and in safety.

As a nation committed to international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts, Timor-Leste underscores the significance of respecting the sovereignty and independence of all states. We reiterate our dedication to promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation as the means to address disputes and maintain global peace and security.

Timor-Leste stands ready to support initiatives that uphold the principles of the UN Charter and contribute to a world where conflicts are resolved through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the values of the United Nations. END

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the “Our Ocean” Conference, which took place in Athens, Greece, from April 15^th to 17^th, 2024. Among the highlights were dialogues with American marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle and members of the governments of Vanuatu, Dominica, São Tomé and Príncipe and Namibia.

During the meeting with Sylvia Earle, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to visit Timor-Leste to share experiences on marine diversity. Sylvia Earle expressed her satisfaction at meeting the Prime Minister and discussing ways to preserve and care for the marine environment, a cause to which they are both deeply committed. 

The State of Vanuatu, through the Minister for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has expressed its willingness to establish bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste, especially on issues related to climate change and the preservation of marine resources. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão promised to coordinate efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries. 

Regarding the meeting with the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, both leaders discussed forms of bilateral cooperation in political and economic areas and other matters of mutual interest. 

Meetings were also held with Patrice Émery Trovoada, Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe and Derek Klazen, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Namibia. 

The “Our Ocean” Conference, under the theme “An Ocean of Potential”, brought together world leaders, representatives of regional and international organisations, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations. The objective was to discuss promoting concrete commitments in areas such as marine protected areas, sustainable blue economy, combating climate change, sustainable fishing, and reducing marine pollution.

Timor-Leste will be represented at the meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group on the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) at the NAP Expo 2024, which will take place from April 22^nd to 25^th, 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Timorese delegation is led by the Special Envoy and Ambassador of Timor-Leste for Climate Affairs, Adão Soares Barbosa, and the Counsellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Licínio Branco. 

The NAP Expo, organised by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) in collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other entities, aims to foster the sharing of experiences and partnerships to boost the formulation and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). The event brings together a wide range of players and stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, financial institutions and the private sector, to discuss technical guidelines, best practices and access to finance to strengthen adaptation to climate change worldwide. 

Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, will officially open the NAP Expo 2024. It will be attended by Least Developed Country Member States, Developing Country Member States, United Nations Agencies, National and International Non-Governmental Organisations, Financial Institutions such as the World Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, the Global Environment Facility and members of the Government of Bangladesh.

In an ordinary plenary session on April 22nd, 2024, the National Parliament approved the second amendment to Law no. 8/2009 of July 15th, the Law on the Anti-Corruption Commission, with 37 votes in favour and no votes against or abstentions. 

During the plenary session, the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus da Costa Hornai, and the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa, gave a general overview of the Law Proposal’s main objectives and answered the questions and queries of the members of the National Parliament. 

With this amendment, approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on March 27^th, 2024 and now approved by the National Parliament, the process of electing and dismissing the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission will be reformulated to overcome the difficulties arising from the reinforced deliberative quorum. With the new legislation, the Commissioner can be elected or dismissed by an absolute majority of the Members of the National Parliament, eliminating the previous requirement that at least three-quarters of the Members be present in full exercise of their functions. This measure aims to streamline the electoral process and ensure the effective functioning of this criminal police body specialising in the fight against corruption.

The law also states that the Commissioner whose mandate expires will remain in office until the new incumbent takes office, thus guaranteeing continuity of public service and the pursuit of the mission for which the Anti-Corruption Commission was established.

The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano ASSANAMI Sabino, attended the presentation of the report of the study on martial and ritual arts, prepared by the NGO Belun and partners, on April 16^th, 2024, at the National Election Commission Hall in Dili. 

In his speech, the Vice Prime Minister thanked the NGO Belun and other partners for producing this study and report, recognising the importance of this data to support the adoption of government measures related to the issue, always with a focus on the well-being of Timor-Leste’s youth. 

 

“Talking about martial and ritual arts is talking about young people, so this study, this report, is an important working tool so that the Government can base its political decisions on the available data. Through the Martial Arts Regulatory Commission (CRAM), the Government is endeavouring to carry out a full survey of the groups and register them so that, together with all the available data, it can define martial arts as a sport. That’s the goal”, said the Vice Prime Minister.

Currently, martial arts and ritual activities are suspended by the Government to register its members and evaluate their performance. Once CRAM has finalised the report, it will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration.

Young people involved in these groups should demonstrate discipline, promote peace and stability, respect others’ freedom of movement, and not consider hurting or taking the lives of others.

“During the struggle for national liberation, many young people involved in martial arts organisations and clandestine rituals contributed to the liberation of our homeland, so today’s young people need to take responsibility for their era or generation and contribute to the liberation of the people, becoming the heroes of today and of the future for Timor-Leste”, he stated. 

“Everyone must prepare themselves in three dimensions: physically, spiritually and mentally, to become an energetic, respectful and resilient person. Thus, in all these dimensions, young people will mould their character to become useful people for society”, the Vice Prime Minister concluded. 

Rogério Araújo Mendonça, Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, representatives of the NGO Belun and its partners, representatives of martial arts and Ritual Groups, Civil Society Organisations, and others attended the launch ceremony.

The Government of Timor-Leste reiterated its strong commitment to the ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership during its participation in the 31st ASEAN and New Zealand dialogue, held on April 18^th and 19^th, 2024, in Wellington. The Timorese delegation, led by the Director-General for ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Elisa da Silva, attended the event as an observer country. 

Various issues were addressed during the dialogue, from peace and security to trade and economic cooperation, education, the green and digital economy, environmental protection, and sustainable and inclusive development. 

In its general statement, Timor-Leste expressed its strong commitment to continue implementing the Action Plan and expressed its sincere appreciation to all ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Government of New Zealand for their continued support of Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN. 

The meeting also witnessed the mutual recognition of the commitment between ASEAN and New Zealand to energise the strategic partnership by exploring new areas of cooperation, such as cyber security, trade, investment, and the digital economy, among other topics of common interest.

Both sides agreed to strengthen the effective implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement while looking forward to concrete activities to deepen practical cooperation, especially within the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) framework.

Given that 2025 marks the 50thanniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations, both sides agreed to explore initiatives and activities to commemorate this milestone and further deepen cooperation. New Zealand also expressed its intention to call for establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of relations.