Media Releases
- 13 of January of 2025Timor-Leste's statement on the political crisis in MozambiquePrime Minister and President of the Republicmore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
January 13th, 2025
Timor-Leste's statement on the political crisis in Mozambique
From the earliest moments of the political crisis in our beloved brother country Mozambique, President J. Ramos-Horta has been working to establish contacts with Mozambican authorities to express his "total solidarity and deep concern regarding the serious social and humanitarian situation in that friendly country."
In the recent first quarter 2025 meeting of the Superior Council of Defense and Security convened by the President of the Republic, which had substantial participation from Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, the distinguished members expressed complete solidarity and concern about the critical situation being experienced by Mozambican society.
The President of the Republic and the Prime Minister continue to closely monitor the situation in Mozambique.
Meanwhile, the Presidency of the Republic received an invitation to participate in the presidential inauguration ceremony to take place on January 15 in Maputo.
Given that official foreign travel by the President of the Republic requires prior consent from the National Parliament, and given insurmountable logistical difficulties, the President of the Republic deeply regrets being unable to make the trip.
President J. Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão remain available to travel to Mozambique as soon as possible on a date to be agreed upon.
President J. Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão make a heartfelt appeal for dialogue between Mozambican brothers, calling for a political truce, dialogue with great serenity and patience to stop the violence and create conditions for opening negotiations between all parties, leading to an agreement, even if provisional, that ends the violence, restores law and order, allows normalization of economic activities and community security. The dialogue would continue regarding a political calendar for the restoration of democratic order and legitimate political power. END - 08 of January of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 8th, 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 January 8th, 2025
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, regarding the granting of a donation of two million dollars to the Republic of Vanuatu.
The 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila on December 17th, 2024, resulting in the loss of 23 lives, more than 200 injured and severe damage to essential infrastructure, including the Central Hospital and two water reservoirs. Recognizing the urgency of supporting the affected populations and rebuilding the devastated areas, this decision reflects the constitutional commitment of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to solidarity and cooperation between peoples.
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The Council of Ministers also approved three draft Resolutions to be submitted to the National Parliament, presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, regarding the ratification of the following agreements:
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1. Air Services Agreements with the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Cambodia
These agreements aim to strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, as well as contributing to the development of the air transport sector. By promoting commercial exchanges and increasing regular air connections, the agreements aim to foster economic growth and boost tourism. The agreements are also in line with Timor-Leste's accession process as a full member of ASEAN and with the organization's “Open Skies” policy.
2. Visa Waiver Agreement with the Lao People's Democratic Republic
This agreement establishes visa-free travel for holders of ordinary passports, allowing entry and stays of up to 30 days. The measure aims to strengthen the good relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as facilitating tourist exchanges and complying with ASEAN instruments regarding the reciprocal recognition of passports.
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The Council of Ministers also approved the following projects presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral:
1. Decree-Law regulating the operation of the One Stop Shop and the Municipal Portal, to strengthen administrative decentralization and the modernization of public services in Timor-Leste. The One-Stop Shop will be implemented in all municipalities and on the island of Ataúro, with face-to-face, mobile and telephone service, with the aim of simplifying administrative procedures, improving efficiency and promoting proximity between the Public Administration and citizens. The mobile service will be made available in remote areas through adapted itinerant structures.
The law also consolidates and expands the functionalities of the Municipal Portal as a central platform for access to information and electronic public services, promoting transparency and civic participation. Among the innovations are the mandatory publication of information on municipal management, the provision of administrative services online and the strengthening of social control tools.
These measures aim to improve the quality of public services, reduce operating costs and foster more efficient and participatory local governance, in line with constitutional principles and the government's decentralization strategy.
2. Decree-Law that makes the sixth amendment to Decree-Law no. 8/2013, of June 26th, on the Legal Regime of the National Villages Development Program (PNDS).
In the context of the intensification of the administrative decentralization process, it has become necessary to adjust the legal framework of the PNDS, especially regarding to the sources of funding for expenditure associated with its implementation. This revision aims to ensure greater clarity and suitability to the new administrative and financial requirements imposed by decentralization. At the same time, this amendment clarifies provisions of the original law which, during the implementation phase, gave rise to doubts or divergent interpretations, thus ensuring more effective implementation in line with the program's objectives.
3. Government Decree on the Organization of the Technical Secretariat of the National Villages Development Program.
In compliance with the provisions of Decree-Law no. 49/2023, of August 18th, which approved the organizational structure of the Ministry of State Administration, this decree adapts the framework of responsibilities of the Technical Secretariat of the (PNDS Portuguese acronyms) to the new legal framework of the Municipal Authorities, recommending that the former play a supporting role to the latter in the local implementation of the PNDS. From an organic point of view, the number of services provided for in this decree maintains the existing ones, so there will be no increase in expenditure because of the expansion in the number of services of the Technical Secretariat of the National Villages Development Program.
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Also approved was a draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Defense, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on the International Cooperation Policy Framework. This framework is a structuring and guiding document for the establishment of strategic partnerships in international military cooperation, through which a set of guidelines and lines of action is promoted with the aim of defining forms and rules of cooperation to optimize the capabilities held by the F-FDTL. Within the scope of International Cooperation in the Field of Defense, the creation of the International Cooperation Policy Coordination Office is also promoted, under the direct responsibility of the member of the Government responsible for the area of Defense, with the mission of managing and coordinating all cooperation dossiers with friendly countries.
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The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, gave a presentation on the preparation of the Legislative Program of the 9th Government. This program will be based on the proposals submitted by the members of the Council of Ministers. Ministers and constitute a forecast of the government's legislative interventions, organized by sectors and priorities, for the period up to 2025.
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Lastly, the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the rules for implementing the General State Budget for 2025, established by Decree-Law No. 43/2024 of December 20th. END - 27 of December of 2024Day off on January 2nd 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 27th, 2024
Day off on January 2nd 2025
available soon - 25 of December of 2024Statement of His Excellency, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on the passing of Tom HylandPrime Ministermore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 24th, 2024
Statement of His Excellency, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on the passing of Tom Hyland
On the eve of Christmas, Timor-Leste lost one of its own. Tom Hyland passed away in the country he loved, surrounded by the people he dedicated his life to.
Tom was a humble and gentle man whose courage shaped our nation’s journey to independence. Outraged by the suffering of the Timorese people under occupation, he founded the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign, tirelessly working to expose the injustice occurring in our country. Through his relentless activism, he brought the plight of the Timorese to the forefront of the Irish and international conscience. His efforts were instrumental in the Irish Government’s advocacy for human rights and justice for the Timorese people.
Thanks to Tom’s lobbying, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, visited Timor-Leste in support of our right to self-determination in the lead-up to the 1999 independence referendum.
After contributing so much to our struggle, Tom made Timor-Leste his home following our independence. He was central to the relationship of solidarity between the Timorese and Irish peoples, serving as Honourary Consul of Ireland to Timor-Leste until his passing. Tom showed a quiet commitment to nation building, working at our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and teaching English to its staff. Tom was never one to seek attention, but he was always with us.
Even as his health declined, Tom would walk around Dili, supported by a cane and graced with his warm humour and knowing smile. Timorese children would often approach him, putting their forehead to his hand as a gesture of deep respect for his contribution to our people. Tom was always interested in others, a selfless man who was generous with his time and his kindness.
Towards the end of his life, Tom was saddened by the state of world affairs. He was particularly affected by the plight of the people of Gaza. Yet, he held faith in the power of ordinary people to advocate for justice and the strength of political activism to bring about change.
Tom’s humility and gentle character touched so many of our lives. He was widely loved and will be deeply missed. As we honour and celebrate his life, we should also be guided by the values he lived by, selflessness, courage, and a resolute commitment to justice and human dignity.
Tom Hyland will forever be one of us, a treasured soul in our sacred land.
Obrigado, Tom. - 21 of December of 2024Joint statement by the Prime Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Commonwealth of AustraliaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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ANTHONY ALBANESE MPPRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIAHIS EXCELLENCY KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃOPRIME MINISTER OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
JOINT STATEMENT
There is a deep reservoir of friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people. Our governments are working closely together to further our bilateral ties and our shared interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Befitting the close relationship between our countries, Australia and Timor-Leste are pleased to announce important new initiatives to support Timor-Leste’s economic development.
Australia and Timor-Leste are committed to ensuring that the development of the Greater Sunrise Fields in the Timor Sea delivers long-term benefits for the people of Timor-Leste, consistent with the historic Treaty Between Australia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Establishing Their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea (the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty).
The 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty created a special regime for the development of the Greater Sunrise Fields. Over the past two years, Australia’s Special Representative for Greater Sunrise, the Honourable Steve Bracks AC, has worked closely with the Australian and Timor-Leste Governments and the private sector to create the conditions for the development of this strategic resource.
To support Timor-Leste’s wishes to secure long-term economic growth, improve living standards and diversify its economy, Australia has proposed to make a significant investment in Timor-Leste’s future through the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure fund, capitalised from part of Australia’s share of future revenue from the Greater Sunrise project. Australia would establish the infrastructure fund to support any commercially viable solution proposed by the commercial parties which had been agreed to by the States consistent with the requirements of the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty. It is estimated that a successful project could deliver billions of dollars to the Timor-Leste infrastructure fund over the life of the project, making it a nation building initiative.
Australia and Timor-Leste look forward to continuing to work with the relevant commercial parties towards our shared objective of realising the development of the Greater Sunrise project.
Recognising Timor-Leste’s ambition to create more employment opportunities, the Australian Government is also making an unprecedented investment in Timor-Leste’s work force. The Timor-Leste-Australia Labour Mobility and Skills Partnership will provide nearly $50 million over four years to equip more Timorese workers with job-ready skills. This investment will include funding for a new recruitment and training centre in Dili, a boost for high-quality English language training, and enhanced access to Australian-recognised qualifications. Through this Partnership, Timor-Leste and Australia will work together to support Timor-Leste’s goal of enabling 10,000 Timorese workers to take up employment opportunities in Australia by 2027-28, including through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. These efforts will have a particular focus on semi-skilled positions.
The Prime Ministers of Timor-Leste and Australia look forward to the opportunity to mark these significant initiatives in-person in the coming year, as a demonstration of the commitment of both countries to the development of Greater Sunrise and the strength of the bilateral relationship.
SATURDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 of December of 2024Day off on December 24th 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 19th, 2024
Day off on December 24th 2024
available soon - 19 of December of 2024Timor-Leste expresses solidarity with Vanuatu after devastating earthquakePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 19th, 2024
Timor-Leste expresses solidarity with Vanuatu after devastating earthquake
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deep solidarity with the people and Government of Vanuatu following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that ravaged the country on December 17th, 2024. This disaster caused tragic loss of life, injuries to hundreds of people and significant damage to infrastructure.
The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, has sent a letter to his Vanuatu counterpart, Charlot Salwai, to express his “heartfelt condolences to the people of Vanuatu in the wake of the devastating earthquakes that have ravaged your country” and to express Timor-Leste's support in this time of need.
“This tragic loss of life from the earthquakes is heartbreaking and has left us with sorrow. The Timorese people feel a great sense of connection and solidarity with the Ni-Vanuatu. Your people have always supported us, including during the dark days of the occupation of our country. At this time, we are most concerned with the situation facing the Ni-Vanuatu given the widespread damage that has been caused”.
In the letter, the Head of Government also wished his counterpart “and the people of Vanuatu all the strength and resilience that is needed to overcome this disaster” and expressed confidence in the Vanuatu Government's leadership to face the challenges of reconstruction: “While the recovery efforts will be very difficult, I have confidence that with your leadership Vanuatu will be able to respond to the disaster and start the rebuilding process”.
On behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, the Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, expressed “deep sorrow for the tragic loss of human life and the enormous difficulties faced by the people of Vanuatu at this time of pain and hardship”. He added that “our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we recognise the heroic efforts of the rescue teams and professionals who continue to support the communities affected by this disaster”. - 18 of December of 2024Christmas Message from the Government of Timor-Leste: Hope, Unity and Commitment to the FuturePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 18th, 2024
Christmas Message from the Government of Timor-Leste: Hope, Unity and Commitment to the Future
AVAILABLE SOON
