Minister Bendito Freitas meets with Portuguese counterpart
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, was welcomed on April 26th, 2024, at the Palácio das Necessidades in Lisbon by the Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, for a bilateral meeting. During the meeting, both ministers reiterated and strengthened the historic and fraternal ties between Portugal and Timor-Leste, highlighting the need and mutual desire to deepen bilateral cooperation in various areas. 
Minister Bendito Freitas expressed his deep satisfaction and appreciation for the invitation made by the President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, for Timor-Leste to take part in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. This date holds historical significance for both Timor-Leste and Portugal, symbolizing the peaceful reconquest of freedom and democracy. Timor-Leste's 9th Constitutional Government issued a vote of congratulations to the Portuguese people for the celebration of this date, recognising the example of the peaceful reconquest of freedom and democracy and decreed a Day Off throughout the country, allowing the Timorese and Portuguese people to celebrate the values of freedom and democracy together. 
During the meeting, the preparation of the New Strategic Cooperation Programme between Portugal and Timor-Leste (PEC – acronym in Portuguese) for 2024-2029 was highlighted. This programme represents a significant step in the bilateral relationship, as both countries are committed to finalising its objectives. These objectives will be aligned with the strategic priorities of their respective governments, demonstrating the mutual commitment to the programme's success. 
In the area of justice, the intention to resume cooperation between the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office of both countries to exchange judiciary and public prosecutors was discussed. Timor-Leste also expressed its desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the area of registries and notaries and in the digitalisation of the judicial sector. 
Regarding education, the ministers emphasised the importance of teaching the Portuguese language as a vehicle for cultural identity and international integration. Timor-Leste thanked Portugal for its support in increasing the number of teachers at the Portuguese Language Learning and Training Centres (CAFÉ—acronym in Portuguese) and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in Portuguese language training programmes.
In terms of state administration, the reactivation of cooperation agreements with the National Association of Municipalities was discussed, as was the request for support from Portugal for modernising the administration through the creation of a network of one-stop shops throughout the country and for the drafting of the Timorese Electoral Code.
The ministers also discussed their commitment to the international affirmation of the CPLP, as well as its economic and social development. They emphasized the promotion of trade and business in Portuguese and fostering public-private partnerships between member states and partners in the four regions. The promotion of Lusophony was taken up as a governmental priority in both countries, with a focus on strengthening ties between the CPLP countries. A key aspect of this is the aspiration to make the Portuguese language one of the official languages of the UN by 2030, as a vehicle for universal communication, highlighting the importance of the language in global affairs. 
Economic cooperation between both countries was also addressed, with emphasis on Timor-Leste's membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the expected conclusion of the process of joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. Timor-Leste's accession to this regional organisation should be considered a unique strategic opportunity for the other CPLP countries. Timor-Leste, as the only Portuguese-speaking country in ASEAN, could serve as a gateway for the Community's other member states into one of the world's most dynamic economic and financial regions promptly aligned with the development of the CPLP's new economic and business pillar. In this regard, the need to coordinate efforts both bilaterally and within the CPLP was mentioned to promote the development of the private sector by encouraging national and foreign investment and the blue economy. 
In addition to this meeting and his participation in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the April 25th Revolution, the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, also met with his counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
