Media Releases
- 24 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 24th, 2024Presidency 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 24th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 42/2008, of November 26th, which transformed Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (Radio and Television of Timor-Leste) (RTTL, E.P.) into a public company.
The proposed amendments aim to adapt Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL, E.P.) to new technological and administrative requirements by introducing digital terrestrial television. The new law allows RTTL, E.P. to broadcast and manage digital channels, enabling greater flexibility in content distribution and obtaining additional revenue. As well as making it possible to broadcast free-to-air channels nationally and internationally, it will also be possible to introduce post-paid and pre-paid services, thus reinforcing its financial sustainability.
The project also provides for the elimination of the Opinion Council, which has never been implemented since the creation of RTTL, E.P., and the creation of the position of Executive Director, reporting directly to the President of the public company, who will support the administrative and financial management of the company, ensuring continuity and good governance. These amendments are intended to strengthen competitiveness and the quality of the services provided to the public, ensuring a modern, efficient broadcaster in line with industry standards.
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The Council of Ministers has decided to grant a day off on October 31st, 2024, considering that November 1st and 2nd are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, dates of great importance to the Catholic community and provided for as national holidays by Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, amended by Law no. 3/2016, of May 25th. This decision aims to make it easier for people to travel to their hometowns and participate in religious celebrations. END
- 18 of Outubro of 2024Timor-Leste Welcomes the Chairman’s Statement of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related SummitsMinister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperationmore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Timor-Leste Welcomes the Chairman’s Statement of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits
Timor-Leste congratulates ASEAN and Lao People’s Democratic Republic for the successful conclusion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits from 9-11 October 2024. We also express our gratitude to Lao PDR for their leadership throughout the year.
We welcome the decision to support the implementation of the “objective and criteria-based Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN.” Timor-Leste appreciates the positive momentum towards our journey to accession into ASEAN and extends our sincere gratitude to ASEAN for recognizing our ongoing efforts. We also express our appreciation to member states for their continued support and commitment to this important process.
As a mark of progress, Timor-Leste looks forward to fulfilling the Roadmap criteria towards our full membership of ASEAN. Intense preparations are underway to ensure accession to the ASEAN agreements and legal instruments under the three pillars, as stipulated in the Roadmap.
Timor-Leste has undertaken several key steps towards ASEAN accession, including nationwide advocacy campaigns and dialogues to amplify ASEAN awareness, participation in capacity-building and leadership programs, and strengthening bilateral relationships with all ASEAN Member States. Timor-Leste also has an extensive technical work program, to introduce ASEAN legal frameworks into its national policy development, ensuring alignment and integration of government policies and regulatory frameworks with ASEAN standards.
Leadership at the highest levels of the Timorese Government has driven the accession process. The Timor-Leste Council of Ministers adopted a resolution to establish an inter-ministerial technical working group for ASEAN accession, which has catalyzed a dynamic whole-of-government work plan. Most recently, the 9th Constitutional Government has appointed a Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs to expedite the work for accession and oversees the Directorate-General for ASEAN Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, which coordinates and leads the accession process.
Timor-Leste remains committed towards this process and will continue to cooperate with ASEAN and dialogue partners on our journey towards full membership.
Finally, the Government of Timor-Leste also welcomes Malaysia’s Chairmanship in 2025, and looks forward to working closely with the Chair on matters of regional cooperation, including Timor-Leste’s accession. ENDS - 18 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 18th, 2024Presidency 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 18th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and the Executive Director of the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting, Joel Maria Pereira, for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 91/2022, of December 22, on the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting.
Decree-Law no. 91/2022 created the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting with the mission of drawing up and implementing the National Plan to Combat Stunting and promoting coordination between government bodies in the fight against child malnutrition. However, although the National Plan to Combat Stunting has been completed, the planned measures have not yet been fully implemented.
To ensure the continuity of this work, the Government intends to extend the mandate of the Mission Unit until December 31st, 2030, allowing the plan to be fully implemented and the high rate of stunting in Timor-Leste to be combated. This amendment also aims to adjust the new ministerial framework resulting from the organization of the Ninth Constitutional Government, whereby the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting is now under the supervision of the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs. This draft Decree-Law also aims to ensure effective and efficient coordination between the various government departments and Public Administration bodies in carrying out the responsibilities related to nutritional security assigned in the Plan.
At the previous meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Annual National Multisectoral Plan to Combat Stunting for the period 2024 to 2030 was also approved, with the aim of reducing the stunting rate and improving nutritional health in Timor-Leste.
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The Council of Ministers endorsed the agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on measures to Improve Resilience and Livelihoods in the Rural Sector, presented by the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino. This agreement aims to increase the resilience of around 46,000 people in the rural areas of the Manatuto Municipality.
This project mainly aims to improve access to water, promote the adoption of smart agricultural practices adapted to climate change and strengthen the institutional and organizational capacities of rural communities. The initiative, in line with the priorities of the Ninth Constitutional Government, includes investments in hydro infrastructure, training of agricultural groups and the development of more diversified livelihoods that are resilient to climate change. It is also planned that this rural development model to be implemented in Manatuto will be replicated in other municipalities, thus promoting the sustainable development of Timor-Leste.
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Finally, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law establishing the Community Revitalization Programme, also presented by the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino.
The program aims to promote the economic and social development of rural communities by supporting productive activities in the agriculture, fishing, livestock, forestry and horticulture sectors, as well as infrastructure and equipment of collective interest. Aligned with the principles of sustainability, social inclusion and community participation, the program provides grants for community projects to strengthen local capacities and promote community resilience throughout the country. END
- 10 of Outubro of 2024Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 10th, 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 October 10th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and the Executive Director of the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting, Joel Maria Pereira, which approves the Annual National Multisectoral Plan to Combat Stunting for the period 2024 to 2030.
The National Multisectoral Annual Plan to Combat Stunting for 2024 to 2030 aims to provide a framework for coordinated, multisectoral action to combat stunting. The main goals include increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, improving children's diets, and reducing the stunting rate from 47 percent to less than 25 percent by 2030. The plan also aims to reduce anaemia rates in children and women of reproductive age, improve the coordination of nutrition programmes, and promote changes in social behaviour to improve nutritional health.
The Mission Unit for Combating Stunting will lead the plan's implementation in collaboration with various ministries and development partners. The process will be continuously monitored to ensure its effectiveness. It aims to establish a sustainable and resilient environment that promotes improved nutrition and the well-being of the Timorese population.
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Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino also presented the draft Decree-Law on the Community Housing Programme, which was also approved.
The programme aims to ensure the right to housing as a condition for the integrated and sustainable development of the community through the planning and construction of houses and their complementary collective infrastructure and equipment, to be allocated to beneficiaries following the established criteria, as well as subsequent ongoing community support for maintenance and access to services. The programme's implementation will be led by the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Housing in coordination with local administrations and with the active participation of communities. Housing will be allocated to beneficiaries according to their financial capacity and will fall under one of the following regimes: commercial, subsidised, community or social. Under the commercial scheme, the beneficiary pays a consideration defined by market conditions. In the subsidised scheme, the amount to be paid is adjusted to make it more affordable regarding market conditions. In the community scheme, the house is allocated free of charge in the initial phase, with an amount payable after this period. In the social scheme, housing is allocated free of charge.
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The Council of Ministers analysed the preliminary report on the expenses of the activities related to His Holiness Pope Francis's visit, presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral.
At its meeting on February 28th, 2024, the Council of Ministers authorised expenditure of up to US$12 million for the Coordinating Committee for the Organisation of the Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, which took place from September 9th to 11th, 2024. Of this amount, US$9,978,658.12 was spent, resulting in a positive balance of US$2,021,341.12, which will be returned to the State Treasury.
The Timorese Episcopal Conference (CET), through the Church Coordinating Commission team, will hold an internal evaluation meeting on November 23rd, 2024. The Joint Commission, comprised of the Government, the Church team, and the Holy See representative in Timor-Leste, will conclude its activities on December 21st, 2024, when the Holy See representative and the local Church will transmit an official message from the Vatican.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers also decided to approve the theme “Proud of our identity and culture, we build a future of freedom, justice and hope for our People” for the celebrations of the 49th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, which be held on November 28th and whose main celebrations will take place in Oe-Cússe Ambeno. END
- 09 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 9th, 2024Presidency 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 9th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace, in Dili and decided to grant full powers to the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, within the scope of development cooperation. The agreement should be signed on October 11th, during Minister Gastão Francisco de Sousa's official visit to Jakarta.
This memorandum of understanding covers various areas of development cooperation, including building basic infrastructure, promoting affordable renewable energy, creating sustainable cities and communities, fostering agriculture and rural development, encouraging tourism, improving the health and education sectors, stimulating private sector investment, promoting digital development, social inclusion, and climate change mitigation efforts. END - 02 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 2nd, 2024Presidency 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 2nd, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on fulfilling the Exclusivity Regime for Civil Servants.
This Government Resolution aims to ensure that all civil servants, whether at home or abroad, strictly comply with the exclusivity regime, as laid down in the Civil Service Statute, within the direct and indirect administration of the State. The regime prevents civil servants from accumulating paid jobs or participating in activities, jeopardising their independence or professional performance.
To ensure the implementation of this rule, the Government Resolution determines that audits and inspections will be carried out in government departments. Reports on compliance with the regime must be submitted to the respective Minister within one month of the resolution coming into force.
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The draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in office, Expedito Dias Ximenes, for the first amendment to Decree-Law 46/2023 of July 28th, on the Organic Law of the 9th Constitutional Government, was also approved.
With this amendment, the Secretariat of State for Social Communication has been autonomised and now has its powers within the scope of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This amendment aims to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of the services provided to citizens, especially with regard to the right to inform and to be informed.
The duties of the Secretariat of State for Social Communication will be defined in the respective organic law, to be approved within 60 days, and complemented by the powers delegated to the Secretary of State by the Council of Ministers or by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, under the law.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Law Proposal presented by Minister of Finance Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso on the Public Financial Management Law. This draft Law Proposal, which replaces Law No. 2/2022 of February 10th, aims to strengthen public finance management by introducing improvements to the budgetary process. As part of the Public Finance Management Reform set out in the Programme of the 9th Constitutional Government, the Law promotes greater interconnection between the budget and planning, ensuring more efficient and transparent management of state resources.
The main objectives include:
Simplifying and Improving Budget Planning: The new Law introduces a budget strategy statement, which the Government must present to the National Parliament. This document guides medium-term budget planning, defining objectives and priorities, spending limits, risk management, and resource allocation.
Transparency and Accountability: The draft Law Proposal seeks to increase transparency in the budgetary process by providing Parliament and the public with more information. This would allow for an effective assessment of the budget proposal and close and rigorous monitoring of public spending and revenue.
Focus on Results and Efficiency: This draft Law Proposal aims to ensure that programme budgeting effectively focuses on achieving results. It also aims to ensure that public spending is directly linked to the fulfilment of concrete objectives, promoting greater economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in using public resources.
Strengthening Budgetary Discipline: The new Law establishes stricter rules for public financial management, including limiting the number of entities that can take out loans and prohibiting the integration of budget balances for entities without financial autonomy, in line with a decision by the Court of Appeal.
Adjustment to budget deadlines: The aim is to ensure that the deadlines for presenting the budget are compatible with the start of each new Government's term of office, allowing for better alignment between the political and budget cycles.
Alignment with International Best Practices: The draft Law Proposal reflects international best practices in public financial management, aiming to modernise and adapt Timor-Leste's budget process to the demands of an evolving administrative and financial context.
In short, the Law Proposal seeks to improve the transparency and effectiveness of public financial management and ensure that state resources are used more efficiently, focusing on results that benefit the population.
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The following three draft Decree Laws, also presented by Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, were also approved:
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The first draft Decree-Law refers to the Procurement and Public Contracts Code.
The new Procurement and Public Contracts Code, which replaces the previous regime approved by Decree-Law no. 22/2022 of May 11th, aims to respond to Timor-Leste's development challenges by promoting greater flexibility and speed in procurement and public contracting processes.
Among the main amendments introduced is establishing a preference scheme for national suppliers to strengthen the national business fabric. The restricted tendering procedure for services of particular complexity has also been reintroduced, and the possibility of signing framework agreements to guarantee the continuity of supplies has been provided. Transparency and control in the procurement procedure are strengthened by introducing anti-abuse rules, an obligation to report illicit practices, and the corresponding protection for whistleblowers. The law also provides for greater accountability on the part of public sector organisations, reduced deadlines for faster execution of contracts, and the possibility of advance procurement in justified cases.
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The second draft Decree-Law from the Ministry of Finance concerns the Regulation for the Granting of Subsidies, Grants and Donations by the State. This decree-law establishes a comprehensive legal framework for public subsidies, grants and donations, ensuring they are awarded efficiently and transparently by promoting good management of public resources.
Recognising the growing importance of these instruments in achieving constitutional objectives, especially in a developing country with limited resources, the draft Decree-Law defines how these supports are approved and granted, establishing a simple but rigorous regime that promotes the economy, effectiveness and efficiency of public spending, without prejudice to the specific regulation of each support, which is required by law, nor the competences regarding the regulation of specific supports that fall to the National Parliament, following the Constitution of the Republic.
The decree-law complements existing regulations in specific areas, such as social security and pensions, and aims to optimise efficiency and economy in using public spending, maintaining, where applicable, the need for specific regulations required by law.
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The third and final draft decree-law presented by Minister Santina Cardoso approves the Internal Audit Regulations.
This draft Decree-Law aims to establish the principles and rules applicable to the internal audit services of the services and entities of the Public Administrative Sector. It aims to ensure that these units act independently, impartially and effectively, promoting control and the continuous improvement of administrative operations.
Among the main aspects defined are internal auditing principles, such as objectivity, compliance, confidentiality and independence. The internal audit units are responsible for assessing internal control systems, identifying risks and issuing recommendations to improve public management. The regulation also specifies the organisation of the internal audit units, headed by an inspector general, and describes the role of the auditors, who must comply with a strict code of ethics, act impartially and guarantee the confidentiality of the information to which they have access. The law also includes rules on internal and external audits and the obligation to monitor the implementation of the recommendations issued.
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The Council of Ministers decided to approve the Portugal – Timor Leste Strategic Cooperation Programme for the period 2024 to 2028, presented by the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Francisco da Costa Guterres and the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
The Portugal-Timor-Leste Strategic Cooperation Programme 2024-2028 strengthens the partnership between the two countries based on their historical, cultural and linguistic affinities and aligns with global commitments, such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Portuguese Cooperation Strategy 2030, the Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 and other national and sectoral strategic plans. The programme aims to contribute to the sustainable development of Timor-Leste, focusing on priority areas and intervening in five main 'clusters':
Human Development: This 'cluster' focuses on education, health, social inclusion, and culture, emphasising teacher training, strengthening the Portuguese language and training health and social inclusion professionals. The programme also aims to support the fight against poverty and social exclusion, targeting vulnerable groups such as children, women and the elderly.
Rule of Law and Good Governance: This 'cluster' focuses on justice, security and defence, with training and capacity-building actions to strengthen the legal system, improve the efficiency of institutions and promote good governance. Interventions include combating crime and promoting human rights.
Public Administration, Public Finance and Economy: This 'cluster' promotes the modernisation and digitalisation of public administration and decentralisation and supports tourism and public finance. The programme seeks to strengthen the management of public resources and foster sustainable economic growth, primarily through tourism.
Youth and Employment: This 'cluster' supports vocational training and entrepreneurship, encouraging job creation and training Timorese youth. The focus is on institutionally strengthening vocational training centres and promoting the social and solidarity economy.
Oceans, Sustainability, and Infrastructure: This 'cluster' promotes environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, and the blue economy's development. It supports the creation of a marine park and managing water resources and road infrastructure, focusing on the efficiency and sustainability of investments.
The programme also includes cross-cutting axes, such as gender equality, strengthening civil society and capacity building in the Portuguese language, integrated into all areas of intervention, with an indicative budget of 75 million euros to be implemented over five years.
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The Council of Ministers also decided to grant full powers to the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and the Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, to sign the Cooperation Protocol between the Government of the Portuguese Republic and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for the Development and Implementation of the REVIVE Programme.
This initiative aims to promote and streamline processes for the recovery, preservation and monetisation of public properties of high heritage, cultural, historical and architectural value and their transformation into an economic asset for the country's benefit, particularly the communities of the regions covered. The basic model of the REVIVE Programme involves the recovery of these properties through public initiatives and private investment, making them suitable for economic activities related to the tourism sector in all its aspects, namely cultural, ecological, spa, mountain or blue tourism, achieving the assumptions of valorisation, recovery and conservation of this heritage and the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the regions covered.
The programme will cover 14 properties in Timor-Leste, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to benefit local communities and promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The agreement will have an initial duration of two years and be renewable automatically.
The first phase will include the properties of the Tutuala Pousada (Hotel or Guest House) in Lautém; the Maubisse Pousada in Ainaro; the Same Pousada in Manufahi; the Manatuto Pousada in Manatuto; the Marobo hot springs, in Bobonaro; the Maubara Fort, in Liquiçá; the Beaço Customs House, in Viqueque; the Fohorem Administrative Post, in Suai, Covalima; and the Administrator's Residence in Pante Macassar, in Oé-Cusse Ambeno. The second phase will include the Vila Maria Pousada and the Hatubuilico Pousada, both in Ainaro; the Fatubessi Coffee Warehouse in Ermera; the Old Portuguese Hospital in Viqueque; and the Iliomar Administrative Post in Lautém.
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The Minister for Public Works, Samuel Marçal, presented to the Council of Ministers the Cooperation Agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in the area of infrastructure, which aims to promote an instrument of international law that will allow closer cooperation between the entities responsible for the area of infrastructure in the two countries.
The partnership will cover civil engineering, spatial planning and urbanism, housing, road, port, airport infrastructures and related facilities, telecommunications, electricity, water, and sanitation. The agreement also provides for the sharing of expertise, the exchange of technicians, and support for institutional and regulatory consolidation in Timor-Leste.
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The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Resolutions of the National Parliament on the agreements for exemption from visa requirements for holders of Diplomatic Passports and Official or Service Passports between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Governments of the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Vietnam, and the Republic of India.
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The draft Resolution of the National Parliament on the Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of Malaysia was also approved.
This agreement aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote the development of the air transport sector, a key element for the country's interconnectivity, economic growth, and tourism.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of National Liberation Combatants' Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro "Oan Soru", for the second amendment to Decree-Law no. 7/2018, of March 28th, on the Organic Statute of the Council of National Liberation Combatants (CCLN – acronym in Portuguese).
Six years after the approval of the Organic Statute of the Council of National Liberation Combatants and with the experience acquired, namely with the establishment of the Veterans' Investment Fund, the need to ensure its proper management is recognised, and the Administration of the Council of National Liberation Combatants is assigned the competence for this function.
To this end, the aim is to adjust the Council to the current reality by creating a more efficient organisational structure, which will help reduce unnecessary expenses in some of its bodies. The aim is also to strengthen the CCLN's powers regarding the Veterans' Investment Fund, encouraging the creation of income-generating activities and thus promoting national economic development.
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The Council of Ministers decided to remove Carlos Peloi dos Reis as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bee Timor-Leste and, by Government Resolution, approved the appointment of Gustavo da Cruz as his successor for a four-year term, effective from November 1st, 2024.
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Lastly, the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the preparations for the Rabilau Festival. This event, which will take place between October 16th and 19th, 2024, is the result of collaboration between the Presidency of the Republic and the 9th Constitutional Government to promote tourism, culture and sport in Timor-Leste. The festival will highlight local cultural heritage and traditions through music, dance, digital art competitions, sports activities, and local food and product fairs, with the involvement of the Presidency of the Republic, various government institutions, and other partner organisations. END - 30 of September of 2024Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 30th, 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 September 30th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the Draft Law Proposal for the General State Budget (GSB) for 2025, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, with a total value of US$2.6 billion for the Central Administration, the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA) and Social Security, including the Social Security Reserve Fund. This figure includes an allocation of US$2.07 billion for the Central Administration, US$482 million for Social Security and US$62 million for the RAEOA.
The 2025 GSB Law Proposal continues the strategy of implementing the priorities set out in the Government's Programme under the slogan ‘Investment in strategic infrastructures, strengthening the economy and improving citizens’ well-being’. The proposal is drawn up on the 9th Constitutional Government's Strategic Objectives, aiming to promote the nation's socio-economic development through targeted investment in strategic infrastructures, economic strengthening and initiatives to improve citizens' well-being. The GSB 2025 aims to promote economic development and improve the living conditions of the Timorese population through a clear strategy focused on sustainable economic growth, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all citizens.
Regarding strategic infrastructure, US$ 227.3 million has been allocated for constructing, expanding, rehabilitating and maintaining road networks and bridges and implementing natural disaster protection measures to improve connectivity and protect communities from climate change. Allocations are also planned to rehabilitate the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and complete the submarine fibre optic cable connecting Timor-Leste to Australia. The expansion of the internal fibre-optic network will enable the supply of high-speed internet throughout the country from 2025. In the electricity sector, the budget significantly increases government subsidies to the public company EDTL, E.P., to improve and expand the continuous electricity supply, especially in rural and remote areas, guaranteeing a more stable and comprehensive service.
In the natural resources sector, the proposal earmarks US$40 million to improve industrial and oil and mineral extraction zones on the country's southern coast, contributing to economic development and strengthening energy security.
In the financial sector, a US$5 million investment is planned in the capitalisation of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste to strengthen the stability and resilience of the national financial system.
The law proposal allocates a significant part of the expenditure, around US$406 million, to support civil society, health, and social services. In human capital development, US$17.2 million is allocated to vocational and technical training programmes and scholarships. Education will also receive US$145.8 million to build new schools, train teachers, and strengthen the education management system.
In health, the budget allocates US$99.2 million to improve the hospital network and health centres across the country and US$14.2 million for purchasing and distributing essential medicines and medical equipment. Regarding social protection, the Mother’s Allowance (Bolsa da Mãe) programme will be strengthened with an increase of more than US$7 million, plus US$2.86 million, to improve pregnant women's and children's health and nutrition. The proposal also includes a transfer of US$124.1 million to the Social Security Budget, an increase of US$37.4 compared to 2024, which reflects the expansion of the Social Security system and the value of the social pension for old age and disability. END - 25 of September of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 25th, 2024Presidency 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 September 25th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the acting Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Adérito Hugo da Costa, and the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, which sets the vacancies for the promotion of staff integrated into the General Regime of Civil Service Careers for the year 2024.
Of a total of 817 vacancies for promotion established by this Government Resolution, 47 are for the category of Senior Technician - Grade A, 122 for Senior Technician - Grade B, 188 for Professional Technician - Grade C, 234 for Professional Technician - Grade D, 149 for Administrative Technician - Grade E and 77 for Assistant - Grade F.
According to a proposal from the Civil Service Commission, the Government shall determine the number of vacancies for promotion each year, up to a limit of ten per cent of the total number of staff in each category or professional group.
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An initial assessment of the initiative to create a seniority-based promotion system for civil servants, also presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Civil Service Commission, has been carried out. This initiative aims to guarantee career progression for those who, for various reasons, have not achieved promotions based on merit in recent years, based on criteria such as seniority, performance, age, professional training, work in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance.
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The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on implementing the gender equality policy and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Third Phase of the Maubisse Declaration (2023-2028) was also presented, which continues the previous phases with a focus on the economic empowerment of rural women and people with disabilities. This phase is aligned with the priorities of the 9th Constitutional Government and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
The main commitments of this phase are organised into three areas: they include Social Capital, which covers social protection, inclusive education and healthcare, with an emphasis on preventing gender-based violence and improving maternal healthcare; Infrastructure, which promotes access to safe and accessible markets, the development of roads, sanitation and adapted public buildings, with an emphasis on inclusive public transport; and Economy, which prioritises agricultural development, female entrepreneurship and access to credit for rural women, strengthening their participation in sectors such as tourism and agriculture. Monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened to guarantee the implementation of these commitments. Implementation is led by several key government institutions, including relevant ministries and the National Trade Bank of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), which ensure that the planned measures are effectively implemented.
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The Council of Ministers decided to remove Paulo da Silva as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDTL, E.P., and to appoint Marito Ferreira as his successor for a four-year term.
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Intending to resolve the payment of existing debts to hospitals abroad and guarantee the continuity of health services, the Council of Ministers instructed the Minister of Health to conduct a detailed survey of debts, payment deadlines, and the funds available to make these commitments. The Minister of Health must establish prioritisation criteria for payments based on the urgency of the services, risks to public health and the impact on hospital operations.
Among other measures, the Council of Ministers also instructed the Minister of Health to start negotiations with the hospitals to restructure the debts and to propose a budget reinforcement for the health sector to the Ministry of Finance. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by a working group established specifically for this purpose, which will have to submit regular reports to the Council of Ministers on the progress made in settling hospital debts. END
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