Media Releases
- 20 of June of 2025Government Congratulates Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on his 79th Birthday and Honours His Leadership in Serving the CountryPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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June 20th, 2025
Press Release
Government Congratulates Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on his 79th Birthday and Honours His Leadership in Serving the Country
The 9th Constitutional Government extends warm congratulations to Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on the occasion of his 79th birthday, which is celebrated today, June 20th, 2025.
In commemorating this symbolic date, the Executive recognises the life journey of an indispensable figure in national history, whose leadership continues to guide Timor-Leste with determination, strategic vision, and a profound commitment to the well-being of all Timorese.
Since taking office as Prime Minister of the 9th Constitutional Government on July 1st, 2023, Kay Rala Xanana has guided the country into a new phase of structural reforms and international recognition. Under his leadership, the Government has reinstated the importance of good governance, the democratic rule of law, and investment in areas strategic to national development.
Domestically, the Government has introduced an extensive programme of reforms in the fields of public finance, justice, oil and mineral resources, civil service, and both central and local administration, prioritising efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
In the infrastructure sector, the 9th Constitutional Government resumed structural public investment with a plan to rehabilitate and construct roads, normalise riverbanks, improve water supply and sanitation, and extend the electricity grid. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life for the population, reduce regional disparities, and stimulate local economic growth.
Economic diversification remains a priority, with concrete actions in various sectors, particularly agriculture, tourism, and the development of a blue economy policy. Efforts are underway to enhance agricultural productivity, expand digital connectivity, stimulate private investment, and support the national business sector, thereby creating jobs and fostering more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
At the international level, the Government, led by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, achieved Timor-Leste's integration into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), positioning the country as an open economic partner committed to multilateral rules. Within ASEAN, the Executive has consistently fulfilled the requirements outlined in the Roadmap for Full Membership, with the country's official entry into the regional organisation scheduled for October this year at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Negotiations with international partners regarding the Greater Sunrise project are ongoing to ensure that oil resources directly benefit the country and reinforce its economic sovereignty.
On behalf of all members of the Government, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, declares that, “on this special day, we pay tribute to the journey and leadership of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who continues to inspire the country with his example of courage, dedication, and vision. Under his guidance, the 9th Constitutional Government has carried out structural reforms and an ambitious development agenda, always with an eye on the well-being of the Timorese people and the sovereign affirmation of Timor-Leste in the world.”
On this occasion, the 9th Constitutional Government reaffirms its commitment to the Prime Minister's strategic vision. It reiterates its determination, under his leadership, to continue working diligently to build a more just, resilient, and prosperous nation for all Timorese.
Happy birthday, Mr Prime Minister! - 18 of June of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 18th 2025Approved:more
1 - Second amendment to the organic law of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers;
2 - Public Procurement and Contracts Code;
3 - Proposal for offers of market access to ASEAN in the context of the negotiation process for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN;
4 - Change in the opening hours of border posts with the Republic of Indonesia;
5 - Authorisation of expenditure for the construction of new facilities for the Betano Polytechnic Institute; and
6 - Full powers to sign a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia for training in transport.
Analysed:
1 - Presentation on the Conference of Luso-Asian Communities - 13 of June of 2025Government of Timor-Leste Expresses Deep Condolences for Victims of Air Crash in AhmedabadPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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June 13th, 2025
Press Release
Government of Timor-Leste Expresses Deep Condolences for Victims of Air Crash in Ahmedabad
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses its deepest consternation and sorrow for the tragedy that occurred on June 12th, 2025, in the city of Ahmedabad, India, where an Air India plane, bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off, resulting in the death of at least 241 individuals.
There were 242 people aboard the aircraft—230 passengers and 12 crew members—of various nationalities, including 169 Indian citizens, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian citizen. The Government of Timor-Leste profoundly regrets the loss of human life and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic accident, which marks one of the most devastating episodes in civil aviation in recent decades.
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of India during this time of collective grief. It extends that solidarity to the Governments of the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada, whose citizens are among the deceased.
On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, declares that "it is with deep regret that the Government of Timor-Leste welcomed the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives, including citizens of friendly countries with which we have historical ties and cooperation, saddens us deeply. We express our sincere solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people, as well as with the families of all the victims of this tragedy." END - 11 of June of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 11th 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - Rules for the use of high-risk machinery and equipment;
✅ 2 - Second amendment to the Decree-Law establishing the Institute for Equipment Management and Infrastructure Development Support and approving its By-Laws;
✅ 3 - Second amendment to the Decree-Law regulating the Infrastructure Fund;
✅ 4 - Submission of Timor-Leste's application to host the 9th International Congress on Environmental Education of Portuguese-speaking Countries and Communities (CPLP) – EALUSÓFONA 2027; and
✅ 5 - Fourth Amendment to Government Resolution No. 7/2024 of January 24th, on the Creation of the Executive Committee for the establishment of a Special Economic Development Zone in Oe-Cússe Ambeno. - 04 of June of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 4th 2025Approved:more
1 - Provision of public funding for the implementation of the Higher Education School - Raiz (ESE-RAIZ – acronym in Portuguese) project;
2 - Resolution on the management and promotion of the East Timor Coffee Institute (ETCI);
3 - General regime governing the financial system and banking activities;
4 - Conditions for the allocation of subsidies and salary supplements to the F-FDTL (acronym in Portuguese);
5 - Code of Honour for F-FDTL Military Personnel;
6 - Two memoranda of understanding between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the FFTL (acronym in Portuguese), within the framework of a strategic partnership to strengthen national football infrastructure; and
7 - Pilot project for the construction of an underground electricity network. - 29 of May of 2025Government Announces that Arnolfo Teves Jr. Has Already Been Deported and Handed Over to Philippine AuthoritiesThe Government informs that Filipino citizen Arnolfo Teves Jr. was deported today, May 29, 2025, by administrative decision of the Ministry of the Interior, and is already in the custody of the competent authorities of the Republic of the Philippines.more
- 29 of May of 2025Note of Condolence on the death of Professor Barbedo de MagalhãesThe Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Professor António Barbedo de Magalhães, at the age of 82, a prominent figure in Portuguese higher education and a tireless advocate for the Timorese cause during the Indonesian occupation.more
- 29 of May of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 29th 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - Organic Law of the National Strategic Intelligence Service;
✅ 2 - Ratification of the Agreement with Malaysia on visa exemption for all types of passports;
✅ 3 - Permanent and alternate members of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office;
✅ 4 - Establishment of public subsidies for higher education institutions; and
✅ 5 - Establishment of an interministerial task force responsible for implementing the recommendations set out in the ASEAN Chair's Statement issued at the 46th ASEAN Summit.
Analysed
➡️ 1 - Presentation on the World Oceans Week; and
➡️ 2 - Presentation on the state of play of the preparation of the Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan.
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