Media Releases
- 19 of March of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 19th, 2025Presidency 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 March 19th, 2025
available soon - 12 of March of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 12th, 2025Presidency 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 March 12th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, for the Consigned Contribution to the Voluntary Fund of the United Nations Resident Coordinator System, in the amount of two hundred thousand US dollars.
This contribution reinforces Timor-Leste's commitment to reforming the United Nations development system, which the UN Secretary-General promoted, and to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Resident Coordinator System Voluntary Fund is a financial mechanism established to support and strengthen the coordination function of United Nations development activities in member states, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and inclusion in development initiatives.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, regarding a donation to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe in the amount of five hundred thousand US dollars to support the costs arising from the Rotating Presidency of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
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The draft Law Proposal concerning the Export Promotion Law, presented by the Vice Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, was also approved in his capacity as Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs.
This legislative initiative aims to establish a legal framework to facilitate and encourage the export of goods and services, strengthen the competitiveness of the national private sector, and promote a favourable environment for foreign trade and foreign investment. The legislation aligns with the National Strategic Development Plan guidelines and Timor-Leste's international commitments, including membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and ASEAN.
The main measures introduced include simplifying export procedures, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and ensuring greater predictability for economic operators. The law also provides for the establishment of tax and administrative incentives for exporting companies, the formal recognition of certified companies and the implementation of a one-stop shop to facilitate the export process. It also establishes rules for training exporters, especially small and medium-sized companies, and promotes special economic zones to attract industries aimed at the foreign market.
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The Council of Ministers also approved a Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, on the new organic law of the Migration Service.
This reform arises from the need to modernise the structure responsible for border control and managing migratory flows in Timor-Leste. Its goal is to ensure greater efficiency in managing migratory flows, strengthen national security, and respond to current challenges, such as increased human mobility and stricter border control.
With the new organic law, the Migration Office will have an Executive Director and two General Directors responsible for operational and administrative areas, ensuring more agile and effective management. The internal structure will be reorganised into three specialised National Directorates and seven technical offices to promote greater specialisation and efficiency.
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At the proposal of the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, three draft government decrees were approved relating to the Municipal Spatial Planning Plans for Baucau, Viqueque and Lautém.
These plans establish the local territorial development strategy, define the municipal land-use and urban planning policy, and ensure the integration of the different sectoral policies that impact the municipal territory.
At the local level, the Municipal Spatial Planning Plans translate the guidelines established in the national strategic planning instruments, ensuring a structured vision for each municipality’s growth and sustainable development. Their main measures include defining the municipal land-use planning model, regulating the occupation and use of land and the programmed management of public space, allowing for more efficient planning suited to local needs.
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Lastly, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art, and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, and the Martial Arts Regulatory Commission (CRAM) presented the Council of Ministers with the Report on Martial Arts activities as part of the application of Government Resolution No. 60/2024, of November 7th. This Government Resolution extended the suspension of the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts and rituals throughout the national territory, initially determined by Government Resolution No. 45/2023 of November 10th and subsequently extended by Government Resolution No. 17/2024 of April 24th, until April 10th, 2025. END - 07 of March of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 7th, 2025Presidency 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 March 7th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft government decree presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, on the Conditions for Awarding the School Lunch Programme Subsidy.
The Government recognises the importance of adequate nutrition for healthy growth, effective learning and the reduction of inequalities. The School Meals Programme has emerged as a strategic initiative to guarantee universal and equitable access to nutritious meals in the country's pre-school and basic education establishments.
This programme aims not only to tackle food insecurity and improve school performance, but also to promote the sustainable development of local communities by encouraging the production and consumption of food from local agriculture. The implementation of the School Meals Programme is thus a commitment by the state to the well-being and future of children, contributing to the eradication of hunger, the strengthening of the local economy and the development of Timorese human capital.
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The Minister of Health, Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral presented to the Council of Ministers the procurement procedure for the construction of a new building for the Ministry of Health, which began with the 8th Constitutional Government. However, the reasons behind the contracting by the previous Government were profoundly modified with the approval of the 9th Constitutional Government's programme, so its continuation would imply the use of financial resources without benefit to the Timorese, which goes against the public interest.
Due to the aforementioned reasons, on October 3rd, 2024, the Minister of Health notified the company ASBALAN, Unipessoal, Lda of the decision to terminate the contract, following Article 138(1)(a) and (b) of Decree-Law No. 22/2022, of May 11th, which approves the Legal Framework for Procurement, Public Contracts and Related Infringements, as amended by Decree-Law No. 14/2023, of April 12th.
ASBALAN, Unipessoal, Lda submitted a complaint on October 21st, 2024, although it was after the legal deadline (the 15-day deadline expired on October 18th, 2024).
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The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Government Resolution presented by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, concerning the dismissal of Mrs Agusta Antónia Gomes, from the position of Deputy Executive Director of the Business Registration and Verification Service, I.P. (SERVE, I.P.).
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Lastly, in accordance with the draft presented by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise expenditure on the programme on ‘implementation of the Tasi Mane project on the country's southern coast’ in the amount of US$ 40,500,000. END - 27 of February of 2025Day off in the morning of 5th March 2025 for the celebration of “Ash Wednesday”Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Grant of the morning of March 5th, 2025
available soon - 26 of February of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 26th, 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 26th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Bill presented by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay on the Competition Law.
The aim of this legislative intervention is to establish an appropriate legal framework to regulate competition practices in Timor-Leste. The Competition Law aims to create a competitive business environment, promote market efficiency, prevent monopolistic and anti-competitive practices, and guarantee consumer protection, bringing the country into line with the international standards set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Council of Ministers decided to authorize the Minister of Finance to sign on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, a Financial Contribution Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the European Union relating to the Multi-Year Action Plan for Timor-Leste for 2021-2027, in the amount of 12 million euros (around 12.6 million US dollars).
Following the project presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, the Council of Ministers also decided to authorize the complete proposals in the areas of trade in services and movement of natural persons, to be submitted as Timor-Leste's initial proposals to the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Member States.
These proposals are part of the negotiation process for East Timor's accession to the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) and the ASEAN Movement of Natural Persons Agreement (MNP), as part of the negotiations for Timor-Leste's full membership of ASEAN.
The draft Government Resolution, presented by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Civil Service Commission, which sets the vacancies for the promotion by seniority of staff in the careers of the General Regime of the total of 3,540 vacancies for promotion established by this Government Resolution, 60 are for the category of Senior Technician - Grade A, 223 for Senior Technician - Grade B, 561 for Professional Technician - Grade C, 965 for Professional Technician - Grade D, 1051 for Administrative Technician - Grade E and 680 for Assistant - Grade F.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Helder Lopes, presented to the Council of Ministers a report on the operational management of the Petroleum Fund.
The presentation covered the Petroleum Fund's performance in 2024, including the fund's balance sheet, the income earned and the investment strategy. The portfolio allocation, investment returns, withdrawals made, and the overall impact of the fund's management were also analyzed.
The Petroleum Fund's investment strategy is defined by clear objectives established in national legislation, ensuring that revenues from petroleum exploration are applied in a way that guarantees sustainable benefits for current and future generations.
The Council of Ministers also approved a draft Government Resolution to award a donation of 60,000 US dollars to the Permanent Representation of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic in Timor-Leste, presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
This measure reinforces the historical ties that unite Timor-Leste and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, based on the common desire to fight for self-determination, the principle of solidarity with the struggle of peoples for national liberation and the right to self-determination and independence, which are present in the Constitution of the Republic, in the Resolution of the National Parliament of solidarity and support for the Saharawi people, and in the fact that Timor-Leste has contributed, since 2011, to the functioning of that Permanent Representation in Dili, through the granting of an annual subsidy for the exercise of its activities in Timor-Leste and in the region.
The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Government Resolution, also presented by Vice-Minister Milena da Costa Rangel, to approve Timor-Leste's voluntary contribution of 155,810 US dollars to the Special Fund of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), to finance the project “Lusofonia in Timor-Leste”.
This project, developed within the framework of the CPLP, aims to promote and disseminate the Portuguese language in Timor-Leste and is being implemented by the Timorese online daily newspaper DiliGente, the only national media outlet exclusively in Portuguese.
The draft Government Resolution, presented by the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, which determines the dismissal of the current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste, EP (RTTL, EP) and the appointment of Elizeu Isaac Fernandes to take up the post for a four-year term was also approved.
The appointment is based on the new Chairman's recognized technical and management skills, as well as his professional experience, seniority, suitability and impartiality.
Finally, according to the draft presented by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, the Council of Ministers decided to authorize expenditure of 15 million US dollars for an annual grant to the Timorese Episcopal Conference (CET), to be implemented during 2025.
This annual grant to the Timorese Episcopal Conference is made under the agreement signed on August 14th 2015 between Timor-Leste and the Holy See, as well as the Framework Agreement signed on June 16th 2017 between the Government and the CET, which provide for an annual contribution, according to the Government's financial availability, to the social, educational and ecclesial Governance activities of the Catholic Church. END - 19 of February of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 19th, 2025Approved:more
1 - Statutory Auditor of the National Press of Timor-Leste, IP
2 - negotiation of a convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with regard to income taxes;
3 - expenditure for the signing of the Subsidy Contract between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and TIMOR GAP, EP in the amount of 16 million US dollars for the year 2025. - 12 of February of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 12th, 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 12th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the Draft Bill on the Industrial Property Code, presented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira.
This Draft Bill had already been approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on March 20th 2024 and sent to the National Parliament. However, during the legislative process, the need for revision was identified so that the law would be limited to the minimum aspects required by international commitments, which led to the drafting of a new proposal.
The creation of the Industrial Property Code is a requirement within the Timor-Leste's framework accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and integration into ASEAN. These processes require compliance with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and harmonisation with provisions of international conventions regulated by the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
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Following the presentation of the results of the electricity sector projects developed between June 2023 and December 2024, as well as the budget plan for 2025 of Eletricidade de Timor-Leste, EP (EDTL, EP), the Council of Ministers, on a proposal by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, decided to authorise the expenditure for the subsidy contract for the transfer of a provision from the General State Budget (OGE), in the Ministry of Public Works Program “802 Electricity”, to EDTL, EP, for a total amount of 166.5 million US dollars.
This funding is intended to ensure the necessary resources for EDTL, EP, an entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works, to guarantee the supply of electricity throughout the country, an essential public service for the population and the country's economy.
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The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, gave an informative presentation on the cases of successive abstract review of unconstitutionality requested to the Court of Appeal by the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ). END - 05 of February of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 5th, 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 5th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Decree, presented by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, which establishes the fees due under the environmental licensing procedure.
This Government Decree aims to regulate the payment of fees associated with the issuing of environmental licenses, guaranteeing the application of the polluter pays principle and the sustainability of the services provided by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA, I.P.). The aim is to ensure a transparent and efficient licensing process to make project proponents responsible for the environmental impact of their activities. The fees set vary according to the category of project, considering the potential size of the environmental impact, as well as the stage of the licensing procedure.
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The draft Government Resolution for the dismissal of Elvira Manat from the post of Regional Secretary for Finance of the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) Authority was also approved. The Government Resolution also states that the President of the RAEOA Authority will temporarily take over the Authority's financial responsibilities until a new Regional Secretary for Finance is appointed.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Interior, to define the recruitment needs for 2025 of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and to authorize the opening of a public competition for admission to the Agents ‘Training Course and the Officers’ Training Course.
The aim of this measure is to reinforce the PNTL's personnel to ensure greater operational capacity and a more efficient police presence throughout the country. The recruitment of new agents and officers will make it possible to fill the current shortfall in human resources, improve patrol and surveillance levels and contribute to strengthening public security. It is also intended to promote the generational renewal of the institution, to ensure the continuity and modernization of the police structure. This recruitment also aims to strengthen the representativeness of the PNTL, to guarantee a police force that is even more representative of national diversity, which is fundamental to establishing a relationship of trust and proximity with the different communities.
A total of 500 new personnel will be recruited, of whom 400 will join the Agents ‘Training Course and 100 Officers’ Training Course.
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In accordance with the projects presented by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers decided to authorize expenditure for the:
Installation of Gabion Boxes on the Laclo River, Suco Berloik - Alas Manufahi (P32), totaling US$396,249.46;
Construction of a gabion protection wall on the Bolobu River, Samutuaben, Cailaco, the Municipality of Bobonaro (P34), totaling US$ 532,503.81;
Rehabilitation of the road section between Remexio and Laclo - Package 2 (P36), totaling US$ 2,223,538;
Construction of the Naiboruk River Protection Road section between Viqueque and Beaço - Package 1 (P41), totaling US$ 429,792.11;
Construction of the Naiboruk River Protection - Viqueque - Beaço road section - Package 2 (P42), totaling US$ 484,602.09;
Installation of transmission lines (medium voltage), distribution (low voltage), transformers and residential connections in the Haupu, Asi-Manukatilete, Kairia, Riatoni-Lekidasi sucos (P58), totaling US$ 637,190.35;
Installation of transmission lines (medium voltage), distribution (low voltage), transformers and residential connections at the administrative post of Ermera, Suco Lauala (P59), totaling US$ 523,284.72; and
Installation of transmission lines (medium voltage), distribution (low voltage), transformers and residential connections at the administrative post of Ermera, Tidibesi, Taklela, Lalimlau-Sakubesilima (P61), totaling US$ 765,589.16.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, for the creation of the Interministerial Working Group responsible for drawing up Timor-Leste's Initial Report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
This Government Resolution reaffirms the IX Constitutional Government's commitment to promoting inclusion and defending the rights of people with disabilities, guaranteeing the preparation and submission of the initial report on the implementation of the Convention, ratified by Timor-Leste in January 2023. The document will present the measures adopted by the State to strengthen inclusion and the progress made in this area and should be finalized by April 2025.
The Interministerial Working Group will be led and coordinated by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and will be made up of focal points from various relevant Government departments.
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The Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and the President of the Institute for the Defense of Children's Rights (INDDICA) Dinorah Granadeiro, gave a presentation on the national commitment to eliminating violence against children.
At the INDDICA’s invitation, Timor-Leste will receive a visit from the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla M'jid, from March 3rd to 5th 2025.
The visit is part of the commitments made at the First Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence against Children, held in November 2024 in Colombia, which culminated in global and national commitments to strengthen child protection. Timor-Leste presented ten commitments and expressed its interest in joining the ‘Pathfinder 2.0’ Global Alliance to End Violence against Children.
The commitments made by Timor-Leste include the approval of the Juvenile Justice Law by 2026, the integration of child protection into education policies, the strengthening of specialized justice for children and the professionalization of social workers in the area. There are also plans to expand parental education programs, increase the budget for child protection services, create legal frameworks for online safety and limit access to alcohol and tobacco, as well as implement a National Plan to Eradicate Violence against Children and an Information Management System for child protection policies. END
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