Media Releases
- 28 of Outubro of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 28th, 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 October 28th, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), Hélder Lopes, concerning the Legal Framework for the Use of Electronic Payment Instruments in the Conduct of Economic Activities.
The Decree-Law imposes an obligation on economic operators to provide electronic payment instruments and to accept electronic payments, with a view to promoting the efficiency, security, transparency and traceability of transactions, as well as the development and use of the national payment system.
The scheme covers operators of economic activities throughout the country, payment service providers authorised by the BCTL, the public administration and other public bodies, whilst providing for exceptions for street traders and for activities carried out in remote areas where the technical, technological or infrastructural conditions necessary for the use of these instruments do not exist. The operators covered by the scheme have a period of six months to comply with the new obligations, with the legislation coming into force on the first day of the month following its publication.
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The Council of Ministers has approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister for Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, which approves the paid-in capital of the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste, SA (BNDTL – acronym in Portuguese) and authorises the related expenditure.
The Resolution approves the BNDTL’s paid-in capital, fully subscribed by the State, in the amount of US$30 million, and authorises expenditure up to December 31st, 2026, using funds allocated in this year’s General State Budget.
Paid-in capital is a prerequisite for the BNDTL’s application for authorisation from the Central Bank of Timor-Leste. The Bank’s mission is to promote the country’s sustainable and inclusive economic development by providing appropriate financing solutions for domestic companies and projects, whilst complementing the commercial banking and existing financial systems.
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The Council of Ministers has decided to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism.
The Memorandum establishes a mechanism for regular bilateral consultations to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries, facilitate the exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, and assess progress in cooperation in areas that may include trade, the economy, health, education, science and technology, and agriculture.
Consultations will take place at the senior official level of the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, once every two years, or whenever the parties deem it necessary, alternating between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister for Public Works, Samuel Marçal, on the Special Procurement Regime for the Construction of Infrastructure Aimed at Improving Accessibility and the Regeneration of the City of Dili, as part of preparations for events related to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
The Decree-Law establishes a special procurement regime to streamline procedures for implementing priority projects to improve accessibility and regenerate the city of Dili, with a view to ensuring their timely completion in time for the events relating to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship, which is scheduled to begin in 2029.
The regime covers nine sections of roads and streets in the city of Dili, including works on roads, pedestrian routes and public spaces, the replacement of overhead public electricity systems with underground systems, and the installation or pre-installation of public sanitation, water supply, and telecommunications infrastructure.
For the implementation of these projects, the legislation permits competitive tendering or direct award procedures, regardless of contract value, without derogating from the principles and other rules applicable to public procurement and the execution of public expenditure.
The Ministry of Public Works and the public corporations under its authority are responsible for implementing the projects, whilst the National Procurement Commission, I.P., is responsible for conducting the procurement procedures. The National Development Agency, I.P., retains its powers of technical and financial verification, as well as any other powers provided for in the applicable legislation.
The aim of this measure is to ensure the timely implementation of the works required to prepare the city of Dili for the events associated with the ASEAN Chairmanship, whilst also helping to improve road and pedestrian traffic flow, the urban environment and the public infrastructure affected by the works.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, for the first amendment to Government Resolution No. 19/2026 of April 1st, which sets the maximum expenditure to be incurred in connection with the process of transferring the remains of Catholic prelates who carried out pastoral duties in Timor-Leste.
The approved amendment increases the maximum amount allocated to cover the costs of transferring the remains of Portugal’s prelates to Dili Cathedral, as well as the associated funeral and memorial services, from US$600,000 to US$854,990.
This increase, amounting to US$254,990, is intended to cover the additional costs approved during the course of the process by the Interministerial Committee responsible for organising the ceremonies, namely those relating to the government’s institutional representation at the ceremonies held at Évora Cathedral in Portugal, the construction of the Mehara monument, and the ceremonies held in Bali, Indonesia. END - 26 of Outubro of 2026The Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on His Re-election as President of BrazilPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
October 26th, 2026
Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on His Re-election as President of Brazil
The Government of Timor-Leste congratulates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election as President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, following the second round of the presidential election held on October 25th, 2026.
The Timorese Government also congratulates the Brazilian people on their participation in the electoral process and extends its best wishes for success to the re-elected President for his new mandate.
Timor-Leste and Brazil maintain historical relations of friendship and cooperation, rooted in the cultural and linguistic ties that unite both nations and in shared values of democracy, peace, and respect for international law.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, stated that “the re-election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva represents an opportunity to deepen the strong ties between Timor-Leste and Brazil and to reinforce the defence of multilateralism and an international order based on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect among states.” END
- 21 of Outubro of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 21st, 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 October 21st, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to approve the National Roadmap for the Implementation of ASEAN Economic Commitments 2026–2030, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
This Roadmap establishes the national framework for guidance and coordination to ensure the phased fulfilment of Timor-Leste's economic commitments within the ASEAN framework from 2026 to 2030, setting out priorities, actions, and institutional responsibilities. The Roadmap is accompanied by 19 Sectoral Strategic Action Plans for 2026–2030 and 19 Sectoral Work Plans for 2026–2027, which translate these commitments into sectoral priorities, reforms, and concrete actions.
The resolution stipulates that the ministries, institutions and other public bodies involved must ensure the implementation of the actions set out within their respective areas of responsibility, whilst the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, under the coordination of the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, is responsible for overall coordination, monitoring and consolidation of progress in implementing the Roadmap.
The responsible bodies must provide regular reports on the implementation status of the measures, including progress made, constraints identified and proposed measures to address them. The Roadmap will also be subject to periodic monitoring and review, considering developments in Timor-Leste’s commitments within ASEAN, the decisions of its competent bodies and national priorities.
With this decision, the Government aims to ensure a coordinated and coherent national approach to fulfilling the economic commitments undertaken within the framework of ASEAN and to deepen Timor-Leste’s participation in the ASEAN Economic Community.
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The Council of Ministers approved four draft Law Proposals, presented by the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, to amend electoral legislation and the electoral register, update and harmonise electoral procedures, modernise the voter registration system, and facilitate the exercise of the right to vote.
The approved proposals cover the second amendment to Law No. 22/2021 of November 4th, the Municipal Electoral Law; the second amendment to Law No. 6/2016 of May 25th, the Electoral Register Law; the sixth amendment to Law No. 6/2006 of December 28th, the Electoral Law for the National Parliament; and the seventh amendment to Law No. 7/2006 of December 28th, the Electoral Law for the Presidency of the Republic.
The main measures proposed include improving access to the electoral process for people with disabilities, notably by introducing Braille ballot papers, supporting voters with mobility difficulties, and providing assisted voting, where provided for by law. The law also extends voting hours abroad for elections to the President of the Republic and the National Parliament until 8.00 pm, to facilitate the participation of Timorese citizens living in the diaspora.
In the context of voter registration, the amendments aim to consolidate the digitisation of the system by establishing the use of electronic forms, recording biometric data, including the voter’s fingerprint and photograph, and introducing new security features on voter cards, namely a QR code. Provision is also made for the establishment of electoral registration committees in countries where Timor-Leste has no diplomatic representation, comprising two Timorese citizens of proven integrity residing in the respective country.
The proposals also include updating the requirements for submitting candidacies, adjusting the number of certain electoral officials to match the number of registered voters at polling centres and polling stations, and other amendments to improve the organisation of electoral processes. In municipal elections, candidacies for President and Vice-President submitted by groups of citizens must continue to have the support of at least 5 per cent of registered voters in the respective municipality. They must now include at least 50 proposers from each sub-unit comprising that municipality.
These amendments aim to modernise and harmonise the electoral framework, make voting and voter registration more accessible, and align the legislation with technological developments and the experience gained from conducting electoral processes in Timor-Leste.
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Following proposals from the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Council of Ministers decided to approve the theme “51 Years of History – Consolidating Stability and Promoting Sustainable Development” for the celebrations marking the 51st anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste's Unilateral Proclamation of Independence.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, on the scheme for the extraordinary promotion of staff in the public administration’s healthcare professions for 2026.
This legislation builds on the 2025 extraordinary promotion scheme and establishes 1,874 posts to promote healthcare professionals who were not promoted last year. The scheme covers doctors, nurses, midwives and diagnostic, therapeutic and public health technicians. The promotions will take effect from July 1st, 2026.
With this measure, the government aims to enhance recognition and motivation among healthcare professionals, promote career progression, and strengthen the National Health Service.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Law Proposal for the first amendment to Law No. 15/2017 of August 23rd, the Private Investment Law, to strengthen the conditions for attracting large-scale investment and reinvestment projects of strategic interest to Timor-Leste's development.
The proposal retains the general scheme for granting tax benefits and customs incentives and introduces a specific scheme for investment or reinvestment projects deemed to be of major national interest, within the framework of the Strategic Development Plan. For these projects, benefits may be granted for 25 years, renewable for an equal period, subject to recognition by Government Resolution, considering the scale or nature of the investment and its economic, social, environmental, or technological impact.
The legislation also clarifies and expands the framework for special investment agreements, setting out in greater detail the conditions for their conclusion and investors' commitments, particularly regarding the creation of jobs for Timorese workers and their vocational training, the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers, environmental protection, and support for local communities.
Guarantees of legal and fiscal stability are also established in relation to the benefits granted, without prejudice to the application of rules in the public interest. Mechanisms for monitoring and supervising projects are strengthened, as are the consequences in the event of non-compliance, including the possibility of terminating the agreement and forfeiting the benefits granted.
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Following the draft presented by the Minister for Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers resolved to approve a temporary adjustment to the reference unit prices for petroleum products and cement used in the execution of public works, taking into account the rise in the costs of these materials on national and international markets, linked to armed conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
The decision stipulates that the National Development Agency (ADN, IP) shall update the reference prices to US$1.65 per litre of fuel, US$5 per bag of cement, and US$1.25 per kilogramme of bituminous material.
The measure aims to align the costs of public works with market realities, prevent projects from being put on hold, and ensure the continuity and quality of public infrastructure construction. The ADN is also responsible for regularly monitoring price trends and making the necessary adjustments to protect the interests of the State and the public corporations involved.
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Lastly, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, presented to the Council of Ministers the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation to strengthen Timor-Leste’s institutional capacities in this area by sharing knowledge and experience, training technical staff, and exchanging specialist personnel. It also provides for cooperation in developing policies and legislation, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting their economic use, including the commercialisation of products and innovations. END - 07 of Outubro of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 7th, 2026Analysedmore
1 – Agreement with the Government of Indonesia on the Promotion and Protection of Investments. - 30 of September of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 30th, 2026Approvedmore
1 – Authorisation to commit expenditure from the General State Budget for the implementation of the Tasi Mane Project on the South Coast;
2 – Appointment of the members of the Audit Committee of BTL, EP;
3 – Granting of full powers to sign the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Digital Economy (DEFA) and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC);
4 – Draft 2027 General State Budget.
Endorsed:
1 – Report of the State of Timor-Leste on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 2022–2026. - 16 of September of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 16th, 2026Approvedmore
1 – Scheme for the Selection and Recruitment of Lawyers to Act as Legal Representatives of the State.
Endorsed:
1 – Adoption of the 2024 Timor-Leste Mutual Assessment Report, the 2025–2028 National Strategic Plan and the 2025 National Risk Assessment Report, together with their respective annexes, and authorisation for the publication of the latter;
2 – Publication of the Summary Report on Poverty in Timor-Leste; and
3 – Strategic use of Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Graphs, Digital Twins and Predictive Intelligence as tools to support Timor-Leste’s preparation for and exercise of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
Analysed:
1 – Presentation by the BCTL on the Petroleum Fund’s performance in the first half of 2026;
2 – Presentation by the BCTL on the findings of the Mutual Evaluation Report on measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing;
3 – Presentation by the BCTL on the Economic Review for the first half of 2026; and
4 – Presentation on the outcomes of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM). - 11 of September of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 11th, 2026Approvedmore
✅ 1 - Scheme for the Extraordinary Step Progression for Staff in the General Civil Service Career;
✅ 2 – Timetable for electoral registration abroad;
✅ 3 – Authorisation of expenditure and the launch of the procurement procedure for the construction and installation of the Hybrid Energy Supply System for the island of Ataúro;
✅ 4 – Appointment of a new effective member by the Government on the Superior Council of the Judiciary.
Considered:
➡️ 1 - Procedure for renewing passports for Timorese citizens residing and working in Israel. - 08 of September of 2026Supreme Court of Victoria dismisses the Lighthouse CaseThe Supreme Court of Victoria (Court) on Friday handed down judgment in favour of the Government of Timor-Leste's application to dismiss a proceeding commenced in 2018 by Lighthouse Corporation (Lighthouse) against Timor-Leste and its electricity public entity, EDTL.more
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