Media Releases
- 26 of Outubro of 2025Timor-Leste Proudly Joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Lestemore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 October 2025
Press Release
Timor-Leste Proudly Joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Today, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has officially acceded to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking a historic milestone in the nation’s journey of independence and regional and global integration.
Following years of steadfast preparation and cooperation with ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste’s admission confirms the nation’s commitment to peace, prosperity and unity in Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao stated, “Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN represents the realisation of the nation’s long-standing vision to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional neighbours as equal partners in building a stronger, more inclusive and resilient Southeast Asia. This moment reflects the collective dedication and hard work of our government, our people and our ASEAN partners.”
Prime Minister Gusmão added that “as ASEAN’s newest Member State, Timor-Leste looks forward to contributing to the shared goals and aspirations of the ASEAN Community — fostering economic growth, social progress, and cultural advancement across the region.”
The Timorese Government expresses its deep appreciation to the Governments of ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat and other partners for their continued guidance and support throughout the accession process.
Timor-Leste expresses its deep gratitude to Malaysia, as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, for its leadership, guidance and unwavering commitment in facilitating Timor-Leste’s smooth transition to full membership.
The Government reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of the ASEAN Charter and to actively participating in all three ASEAN Community pillars: the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Communities.
This milestone marks a new chapter in Timor-Leste’s engagement with the region, reflecting a shared commitment to cooperation, stability and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia. ENDS - 23 of Outubro of 2025Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates Japan's New Prime Minister, Sanae TakaichiPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Dili, October 23, 2025
Press Release
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste congratulates Sanae Takaichi on her appointment and inauguration as Prime Minister of Japan on October 21, 2025, becoming the first woman in Japanese history to hold this position.
In an official letter addressed to his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão expressed, on behalf of the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, his “warmest congratulations” on her appointment, emphasizing that “your leadership as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister marks a historic milestone and reflects the continuing strength of Japanese democracy and the confidence of the Japanese people in your vision and service.”
The Head of Government also highlighted Japan's role as “one of [Timor-Leste] most significant development partners,” stating that “Japan has made a profound contribution to our peacebuilding and State-building efforts since independence, and its friendship has supported Timor-Leste’s emergence as a peaceful democracy with an open society, a growing economy and deep respect for international law”.
The Prime Minister expressed his willingness to “working closely” with the new Japanese government “to further deepen our cooperation and advance our shared commitment to peace, prosperity and sustainable development.”
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, emphasizes that “relations between Timor-Leste and Japan are based on a solid friendship and a mutual commitment to peace and development. The Government of Timor-Leste is confident that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan will continue to play an important role in promoting stability and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as in strengthening bilateral cooperation”. END - 22 of Outubro of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 22nd 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - Authorization to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Malaysia on cooperation in telecommunications;
✅ 2 - Creation of a Support Line to deal with cases of gender-based violence and violence against children and young people;
✅ 3 - Exceptional regime for promotion based on seniority for teaching staff;
✅ 4 - General Regime for Administrative Offenses; and
✅ 5 - Establishment of June 5th as National Sea Day. - 15 of Outubro of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 15th 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - Proposal for approval to Ratify the CPLP Statutes;
✅ 2 - Proposal to ratify the Agreement between Timor-Leste and Angola on visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports;
✅ 3 - Agreement between the Governments of Timor-Leste and Laos on the Exchange of Rights to Use Land and Buildings of Diplomatic Missions;
✅ 4 - Criteria for designating and ensuring continuity of Timor-Leste's focal points for ASEAN;
✅ 5 - Full powers to the Minister of Justice to sign the ASEAN Extradition Treaty; and
✅ 6 - Authorisation to negotiate with the ADB the Loan Agreement, with a grant component, for the National Road Improvement Project - Phase I.
Analysed:
➡️ 1 - Presentation on Timor-Leste's post-accession to ASEAN plan. - 14 of Outubro of 20259th Government: Commitment to Structural Reforms and Enhancing the Rule of Law for Sustainable Economic GrowthSince assuming office, the 9th Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, has been dedicated to governance grounded in transparency, accountability, and sound public management. Its goal is to guide the country through a process of structural transformation following years of economic stagnation and declining public investment. The Executive has prioritised restoring the principles of good governance, addressing irregularities inherited from earlier administrations, and rebuilding the financial and administrative management systems that had been compromised.more
- 08 of Outubro of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 8th 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia for cooperation in information and media development;
✅ 2 – Establishment of character training for civil servants;
✅ 3 - Sets the vacancies for the promotion of staff in the public administration health professional careers;
✅ 4 - Appointment of new members of the Board of Directors of the Special Development Fund for the RAEOA; and
✅ 5 - Theme for the Commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. - 01 of Outubro of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 1st 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - One-time financial support for family members (parents or siblings) of Martyrs of National Liberation who have no heirs;
✅ 2 - Legal framework for social protection in case of illness under the social security contribution scheme;
✅ 3 - Establishment of the Interministerial Crisis Management Office; and
✅ 4 - Cancellation of licences issued for online gaming and betting operations. - 30 of September of 2025Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 30th, 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - 2026 General State Budget (GSB) Proposal.
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