Media Releases
- 20 of February of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 20th 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 February 20th 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium at the Ministry of Finance in Dili and approved the Government's draft resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, which approves the Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Blue Economy in Timor-Leste.
With the approval of this Resolution, the Government establishes the political vision and action strategy of the 9th Constitutional Government for this sector for the next ten years, under the direct coordination of the Prime Minister, with the support of the Land and Maritime Boundary Office and the respective Blue Economy Unit, ensuring coordination between ministries and relevant partners.
The Policy is organised around axes that promote marine research and literacy, protect marine biodiversity, support the sustainable use of resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy, and strengthen maritime transport and port development. It also provides for the strengthening of ocean governance, the integration of climate change adaptation measures, and the creation of financing, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms.
With this decision, the Executive reaffirms its commitment to the sea as one of the pillars of national development, with a view to promoting job creation, improving the living conditions of coastal populations, and protecting ecosystems, within a framework of sustainable and inclusive growth.
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The government's draft resolution, also presented by the Prime Minister, on the Maritime Satellite Account was approved.
The purpose of this Government Resolution is to implement Pillar 15 of the Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan, laying the foundations for the Sea Satellite Account as a statistical tool designed to accurately measure the sea economy’s contribution to the national economy.
The Sea Satellite Account will enable the collection, organisation, and analysis of data on public expenditure, and, at a later stage, on public and private economic activity associated with the maritime sector, integrating this information into the National Accounts. To this end, the Directorate-General for Budget Planning and the National Statistics Institute of Timor-Leste, IP, in coordination with the Land and Maritime Boundary Office, will define the methodology, relevant economic indicators, and the necessary data collection and processing mechanisms.
It is also planned that, within six months of the resolution coming into force, a report will be submitted to the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister, providing an update on the work and a roadmap for establishing the Sea Satellite Account and consolidating the Sea Economy budget marker in the General State Budget from 2027 onwards.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Prime Minister, which aims to establish the Framework for the Planning and Management of the National Maritime Space, thereby creating a legal framework for the integrated and sustainable organisation of Timor-Leste's maritime territory.
The draft Decree-Law outlines the national maritime space and establishes principles such as the ecosystem approach, integrated management, and coordination between sea and land, ensuring compatibility between different uses and activities. It provides for the development of planning instruments, including the situation plan and allocation plans, and regulates the private use of maritime space through concessions, licences, or authorisations.
With this measure, the Government strengthens the legal basis required to promote the maritime economy, protect the marine environment, and ensure the balanced and sustainable development of the national maritime space.
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The draft National Parliament Resolution Proposal, presented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, for the approval of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, a legal instrument that aims to strengthen legal cooperation between Member States in the fight against transnational crime, was also approved.
The Treaty establishes the principles and procedures for extraditing persons sought for the purposes of prosecution, trial, or the service of a sentence, defines the offences subject to extradition, sets out the mandatory and discretionary conditions and grounds for refusal, and specifies the applicable procedural and humanitarian guarantees.
The Treaty was signed by the Minister of Justice Sérgio Hornai, together with his ASEAN counterparts, at the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) in Manila, Philippines, on November 14th, 2025.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft National Parliament Resolution Proposal, presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, to amend the Framework of Commitments annexed to National Parliament Resolution No. 46/2025, of October 15th, which approves, for accession, the ASEAN Agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons (MNP) and its Amending Protocol.
This initiative aims to replace the Annex relating to the Schedule of Commitments (SoC) under the MNP Agreement to ensure formal compliance with the common model adopted by ASEAN for all Member States. The proposed amendment is solely the result of a technical reformatting exercise and does not change the substance, level, or scope of the commitments made by Timor-Leste.
The restructuring of the Commitment Framework was requested following ASEAN's adoption of a harmonised model, and the revised document was accepted and endorsed in December 2025. With the approval of this Draft Resolution of the National Parliament, the formal conditions necessary for the deposit of Timor-Leste's Instrument of Accession to the ASEAN Agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons are met, reinforcing the process of national integration into the organisation's mechanisms.
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Also, at the proposal of Vice Minister Milena Rangel, the Council of Ministers approved the Final Review of Timor-Leste's Commitment Schedule under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) to fulfil the requirements for full membership of the agreement and assume the obligations arising from the ASEAN Economic Community.
The revision now approved focuses on the Final Market Access Offer presented by Timor-Leste following negotiations with ASEAN Member States. This framework aims to balance regional integration with the safeguarding of national strategic and economic interests, promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in the country's productive and service sectors.
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The Council of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, regarding the designation of the names “Ataúro,” “Ramelau,” and “Oe-cússe” for the spaces allocated to Timor-Leste at the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. END - 19 of February of 2026Timor-Leste condemns expulsion of Timorese diplomat and reiterates its solidarity with the Myanmar peoplePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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February 17th, 2026
Press Release
Timor-Leste condemns expulsion of Timorese diplomat and reiterates its solidarity with the Myanmar people
The 9th Constitutional Government condemns the Myanmar Military Junta's decision to expel the Timorese Chargé d'Affaires from the country.
Timor-Leste, in line with the positions taken by ASEAN and the United Nations, reiterates the importance of supporting all efforts for the return of democratic order in Myanmar and expresses its solidarity with the Myanmar people while urging the military Junta to respect human rights and seek a peaceful and constructive solution to the crisis.
Since the military coup in February 2021, the situation in Myanmar has been a cause for global concern. The military Junta took power, annulling the results of democratic elections and triggering a series of humanitarian, economic and political crises. The international community, including Timor-Leste, continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and respect for the fundamental rights of the Myanmar people.
The Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, stated that "the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste remains firm in its conviction that only through dialogue and respect for the will of the people can a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Myanmar be achieved". It reiterated its "appeal to the international community to join forces to promote the restoration of democratic order and human rights in the region". END
- 12 of February of 2026Day off on February, 17th and 18th, 2026, on the occasion of Chinese New Year and Ash WednesdayPresidência do Conselho de Ministrosmore
Porta-Voz do Governo de Timor-Leste
IX Governo Constitucional
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Comunicado de Imprensa
Tolerância de ponto nos dias 17 e 18 de fevereiro de 2026 por ocasião do Ano Novo Chinês e da Quarta-Feira de Cinzas
Considerando que a presença da comunidade chinesa no nosso país é de vários séculos e tem uma importância económica e social, que merece a gratidão e o reconhecimento dos timorenses;
Considerando que o Ano Novo Chinês é a cerimónia mais importante de todo o calendário chinês, também conhecida como a “Festa da Primavera”, é uma data também festejada em muitos países do continente asiático e, no ano em curso é celebrado no dia 17 de fevereiro;
Tendo em consideração que a referida efeméride é celebrada como uma festa familiar e um tempo dedicado a comemorações, das quais se destacam as cerimónias religiosas de agradecimento à terra, aos céus, aos deuses do lar e aos antepassados;
Tendo também em consideração que, nos termos da alínea a) do n.º 2 do artigo 5.º da Lei n.º 10/2005, de 10 de agosto, alterada pelas Leis n.ºs 3/2016, de 25 de maio, e 10/2023, de 5 de abril, a “Quarta-Feira de Cinzas” é uma data oficial comemorativa, de data variável em cada ano;
Considerando que no presente ano a “Quarta-Feira de Cinzas” se assinala no dia 18 de fevereiro;
Atendendo à importância que a celebração da “Quarta-Feira de Cinzas” tem para um grande número de crentes, os quais participam nas cerimónias religiosas que se realizam por ocasião deste dia;
Tendo em conta que o n.o 1 do artigo 7.o da Lei n.o 10/2005, de 10 de agosto, alterada pelas Leis n.os 3/2016, de 25 de maio, e 10/2023, de 5 de abril, dispõe que a “tolerância de ponto é a faculdade geral de os trabalhadores ou dado conjunto de trabalhadores de determinado serviço, empresa ou organismo não comparecerem ao trabalho ou dele se ausentarem durante parte da jornada diária de trabalho, mediante autorização superior prévia, sem perda de remuneração e quaisquer direitos ou regalias inerentes à relação de trabalho”;
Considerando que a alínea c) do n.o 2 do artigo 7.o da Lei n.o 10/2005, de 10 de agosto, alterada pelas Leis n.os 3/2016, de 25 de maio, e 10/2023, de 5 de abril, estabelece que a tolerância de ponto pode ser concedida “por motivo de celebração de data religiosa por trabalhador que professe religião cujas datas festivas não estejam contempladas na presente lei como feriados nacionais ou datas oficiais comemorativas”;
Tendo em consideração que, de acordo com o disposto na alínea d) do n.o 6 do artigo 7.o da Lei n.o 10/2005, de 10 de agosto, alterada pelas Leis n.os 3/2016, de 25 de maio, e 10/2023, de 5 de abril, compete ao Primeiro-Ministro conceder tolerância de ponto aos “funcionários e agentes dos ministérios ou serviços deles dependentes, bem como dos institutos e organismos integrados na administração indireta do Estado”,
Assim, ao abrigo do disposto nas alíneas a) e b) do n.o 2 e na alínea d) do n.o 6 do artigo 7.o da Lei n.o 10/2005, de 10 de agosto, alterada pelas Leis n.os 3/2016, de 25 de maio, e 10/2023, de 5 de abril, o Primeiro-Ministro, através do Despacho n.º 03 /PM/II/2026, determina o seguinte:
É concedida tolerância de ponto nos dias 17 e 18 de fevereiro, o dia todo.
O presente despacho abrange todos os funcionários, agentes e trabalhadores que prestem atividade nos serviços da administração direta do Estado, sejam centrais ou desconcentrados, ou nos organismos da administração indireta.
Excetuam-se do número anterior os recursos humanos dos serviços públicos que pela natureza da atividade que desenvolvem devam manter-se em funcionamento naquele período.
Sem prejuízo da continuidade e da qualidade do serviço público a prestar, os dirigentes máximos dos serviços referidos no número anterior devem promover a equivalente dispensa do dever de assiduidade dos respetivos recursos humanos, em dia a fixar oportunamente. FIM
- 11 of February of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 11th 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 February 11th 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal presented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, to establish the Timor-Leste Bar Association (OATL – acronym in Portuguese) and to approve its statutes.
The purpose of this law is to establish the Timor-Leste Bar Association as a public professional association responsible for regulating access to and the practice of the legal profession, representing the profession, and defining the rules applicable to the organisation, functioning, and discipline of lawyers and trainee lawyers.
The initiative establishes the legal framework for the OATL, defining its powers, bodies, competencies, and operating mechanisms, as well as the principles governing the practice of the profession, thereby strengthening the organisation of the legal profession and consolidating the national justice system.
The law also approves the Legal Regime for Law Firms, which defines the conditions for the incorporation, organisation, and operation of these firms, with the aim of regulating the collective practice of law, promoting greater transparency, and ensuring compliance with professional and ethical rules.
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Following a proposal by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers authorised an expenditure of US$121.9 million to transfer funds from the General State Budget to EDTL, EP, under the “802 Electricity” programme, with a view to ensuring the public service of electricity supply.
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Also at the proposal of the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise the expenditure and to open a procurement procedure for the construction of a drinking water supply system in Baucau, a structural project designed to ensure the regular and safe supply of water fit for human consumption to the population of that municipality.
The project, based on previously validated technical studies, is estimated to cost approximately US$23.4 million and aims to improve public health and the quality of life for local communities.
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The draft Decree-Law presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira on the Special Career Regime for Professional Firefighters in Timor-Leste was approved.
With this decree-law, the Government aims to establish a specific status for professional firefighters in Timor-Leste, recognising the specialised nature of their duties as specialised civil protection agents and the importance of their role in protecting human life and property and responding to emergencies, accidents, and disasters throughout the country.
The proposed regime aims to define the professional firefighter career as a special civil service, establishing its hierarchical structure, categories, and positions, as well as the rules for recruitment, training, progression, and promotion. With this initiative, the Government seeks to enhance and dignify the career, ensure greater stability and a professional framework, and strengthen the response capacity of the national civil protection system.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, regarding the temporary suspension and review of the Public Competition for Admission to the Training Course for Officers of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).
With this decision, the Government aims to ensure the transparency, legality, and credibility of the recruitment process, taking into account the doubts and concerns raised by candidates and various entities regarding compliance with certain requirements and the regularity of certain stages of the competition. In this regard, the Government Resolution provides for the temporary suspension of the competition and the strengthening of supervisory and inspection mechanisms.
The decision also provides for the restructuring of the Monitoring and Oversight Commission, including the integration of independent national and international members, and a comprehensive review of all stages of the tender process, with a view to fully ascertaining the facts and, where appropriate, adopting corrective measures. This procedure aims to strengthen citizens' trust in public institutions and ensure that access to the National Police of Timor-Leste is fair, impartial, and in accordance with the law.
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, gave a presentation on the programme and budgetary plan for the pro tempore Presidency of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), assumed by Timor-Leste for the period 2026-2027. Information was provided on the series of ministerial meetings, technical meetings, sectoral initiatives, and institutional activities planned, including the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the CPLP, which will be marked on July 17, as well as the respective schedules, venues, and funding parameters.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the theme “Consolidation of the Democratic Rule of Law - Challenges for the CPLP” for the pro tempore Presidency of the international Portuguese-speaking organisation, assumed by Timor-Leste for the period 2026-2027. END - 10 of February of 2026Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect António Seguro on his victory in the Portuguese presidential electionsPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect António Seguro on his victory in the Portuguese presidential elections
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste congratulates the President-elect, António José Seguro, on his election as President of the Portuguese Republic, extending our best wishes for a successful term in service to the nation. The resounding outcome of the electoral process reflects the confidence placed in his leadership by the Portuguese people, who turned out to exercise their democratic right despite the challenges of recent days.
Timor-Leste and Portugal share a historic friendship grounded in language, heritage and long-standing ties between our peoples. This relationship, forged through history and sustained through cooperation, remains a source of strength for our partnership today.
At a time of global transition and uncertainty, Timor-Leste recognises Portugal’s important place in global efforts to uphold multilateralism, equality and humanitarian values. Timor-Leste’s looks forward to working with President-elect Seguro to deepen our bilateral relationship and to advance international cooperation, solidarity and human dignity. This includes through our shared commitment to the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, which remains a central pillar of cooperation among Lusophone nations.
The Government of Timor-Leste looks forward to continuing to work closely with Portugal during President-elect Seguro’s mandate, in a spirit of friendship, respect and shared purpose. END
- 04 of February of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on February 4th 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Proposal to approve Timor-Leste's accession to the ASEAN Visa Exemption Framework Agreement.
✅ 2 - Civil Registry Code.
✅ 3 - First Amendment to the Judicial Officers Statute.
✅ 4 - Establishment of the National Council for the Organisation of Timor-Leste's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
✅ 5 - Curriculum of the National Secondary Education Equivalency Program.
✅ 6 - Donation to the Portuguese Republic to support response and recovery efforts following damage caused by severe storms that hit the country.
Analysed:
➡️ 1 - Presentation on Timor-Leste's participation in the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting and the ASEAN Ministers of Foreign Affairs Retreat. - 30 of January of 2026Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 30th 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Oe-Cússe Ambeno Region Statute.
✅ 2 - Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Development Fund.
✅ 3 - Exceptional suspension of the retirement age limit for current general officers holding the positions of CEMGFA, Vice-CEMGFA and CEMFA.
✅ 4 - Ratification of the list of military personnel who, on December 31st, 2025, will transition to reserve status and the list of veteran military personnel who will transition to retirement status. - 28 of January of 2026Joint Declaration on Establishing a Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (New Partnership for a New Era) between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of AustraliaTimor-Leste and Australia are partners and neighbours with a shared history, values, region and future. Recognising the strength of the partnership, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia decide to establish a Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (“Parseria”), which is Tetum for a New Partnership for a New Era. In declaring the Parseria, both Governments commit to ongoing cooperation, consultation and mutual respect for national sovereignty.more
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