Media Releases
- 15 of August of 2024Day off on September 9th to 11th, 2024, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
August 15th, 2024
Day off on September 9th to 11th, 2024, 2024
Given that Article 7(2)(a) of Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, as amended by Laws no. 3/2016, of May 25th, and 10/2023 of April 5th, provides that day off may be granted on the occasion of an official commemorative date.
Considering that between 9th to 11th of September 2024, Timor-Leste will receive the visit from His Holiness Pope Francis;
Considering the importance of this visit not only for the Timorese state, but also for the majority of the national population who profess the Catholic religion;
Also taking into consideration the will of the State and Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to receive His Holiness Pope Francis with the greatest possible honour;
In view of the need for a large number of people to travel to Dili to take part in the great event of liturgical celebration by His Holiness the Pope;
In addition to the fact that thousands of pilgrims are expected to be on the national roads, there is also a need to guarantee a safe environment, namely by reducing the number of vehicles circulating and conditioning various roads;
Given that according to the provisions of Article 7(6)(d) of Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, as amended by Laws no. 3/2016, of May 25th, and 10/2023, of April 5th, it is the Prime Minister's responsibility to grant a day off to “officials and agents of the ministries or services dependent on them, as well as institutes and bodies integrated into the indirect administration of the State”;
Therefore, pursuant to Article 7(2)(a) and Article 7(6)(d) of Law 10/2005 of August 10th, as amended by Laws 3/2016 of May 25th and 10/2023 of April 5th, I hereby determine the following:
It is granted day off from 9 to 11 September 2024.
This order covers officials, agents, and workers who work in direct State administration services, whether central or deconcentrated or in indirect administration bodies
The human resources of public services that, due to the nature of their activity, must remain in operation during that period are exempt from the previous paragraph.
Without prejudice to the continuity and quality of the public service to be provided, the senior managers of the services referred to in the previous paragraph must promote the equivalent exemption from the duty of attendance of the respective human resources on a day to be set in due course.
To instruct the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment to promote and encourage workers in the private sector to take part in the activities planned to welcome the Holy Father, by authorising their absence from work, with the exception of those who, due to the nature of their activity, must remain in operation, so that they can take part in these extremely important events together with workers in the public sector. END
- 15 of August of 2024Day off on August 28th and 29th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
August 15th, 2024
Day off on August 28th and 29th, 2024
Considering that paragraph a) of number 2 of article 7 of f Law no.10/2005 of August 10th, as amended by Laws no. 3/2016, of May 25th, and 10/2023 of April, provides that time off may be granted on an official commemorative date.
Bearing in mind that under the terms of paragraph e) of number 1 of article 2 of Law no.10/2005, of August 10th, as amended by Law no.3/2016, of May 25th, and 10/2023 of April 5th, August 30th is National Holiday, as “Popular Consultation Day”;
Considering that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Popular Consultation Day”.
Bearing in mind the historic importance of august 30th 1999, which at the end of a referendum process, despite the atmosphere of intimidation and violence, resulted in the self-determination of the Timorese people and the independence of the country;
Also considering the IX Constitutional Government’s desire to celebrate 25th anniversary of this historic milestone with the population, with various commemorations throughout the country.
Considering the need to enable people to travel to their places of origin to celebrate this historic date with their families.
Whereas according to the paragraph d) of number 6 of article 7 of Law no.10/2005, of August 10th , amended by Laws no.3/2016, of May 25th, and 10/2023, of April 5th, it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to grant day off to officials and agents of the ministries or services dependent on them, as well as institutes and bodies integrated into the indirect administration of the State”;
Therefore, pursuant to the provision of paragraphs 2(a) and 6(d) of article 7 of Law no.10/2005, of August, as amended by Laws no.3/2016, of May 25th, and 10/2023 of April 5th, I hereby determine the following:
It is granted days off on August 28th and 29th 2024
This order covers all officials, agents and workers who work in the State’s direct administration services, whether centralized or deconcentrated, or in indirect administration bodies.
Exceptions to the previous paragraph are the human resources of public services who, due to the nature of their activity, must remain in operation during that period.
Without prejudice to the continuity and quality of the public service to be provided, the chief executives of the services referred to in the previous paragraph must promote the equivalent exemption from duty of attendance of the respective human resources, on a day to be set in due course.
To instruct the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, along with representative of the Private Sector, to request that workers be duly excused so that they, together with public sector workers, can take part in the commemoration of this very, very important date. END - 14 of August of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 14th, 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 August 14th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to approve the program for the celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Popular Consultation.
The celebrations in Dili will begin on August 28, at the Dili Municipal Stadium, with the official opening attended by the Prime Minister and other members of the government. On that day, an exhibition about UNAMET and a book fair will be inaugurated. On August 29th, there will be an official dinner at Lahane Palace and an exhibition at the Archives and Museum of Timorese Resistance (AMRT, Portugues Acronym) dedicated to the women of the resistance.
The peak of the celebrations will take place on August 30, the 25th anniversary of the 1999 Popular Consultation. On that date, a solemn session will be held in the National Parliament, attended by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries. In the afternoon, a public ceremony will be held at Dili's Municipal Stadium, which will include speeches, traditional dances, one minute of silence in honor of the victims, and a fireworks display. After the official ceremonies are over, the public will be invited to a musical concert at the Dili Convention Center (CCD).
Recognizing that the Popular Consultation of August 30, 1999 was a decisive moment for the self-determination of the Timorese people and the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence, the Prime Minister, by a decree, designated the members of the Government and public administration leaders to preside over the ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of this historic date, to be held in municipalities and administrative posts throughout the country, ensuring due institutional representation and the broad participation of the population.
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The Council of Ministers also decided to grant time off on August 28 and 29, as part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation, and on September 9 to 11, on the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Timor-Leste. END - 07 of August of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 7th, 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 August 7th, 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, which reinforces the importance of celebrating Children's Day in Timor-Leste, with June 1st being set as the National Day of Timorese Children.
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Also approved was the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira and the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, on the establishment and functioning of the Interministerial Commission for the Implementation and Monitoring of the National Action Plan Against Gender-Based Violence (PAN-VBG) 2022-2032
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The Commission will be comprised of representatives from the Ministries of Education, State Administration, Health, Social Solidarity and Justice, as well as the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL Portuguese acronyms) and three representatives from civil society. The Commission will be coordinated by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The Commission's competencies include coordinating the activities set out in the NAP-GVP, supporting evaluation initiatives, identifying progress and challenges, drawing up annual activity reports and promoting the dissemination of these reports to civil society and the public.
The creation of this Commission is intended to improve inter-ministerial coordination and the effectiveness of actions to prevent and combat gender-based violence. The measure also aims to increase protection and support for victims of violence, promote gender equality and strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms to combat discrimination and violence.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Resolution to the National Parliament, presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, for the ratification of the Agreement, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas not under national jurisdiction.
The ratification of this Agreement will strengthen Timor-Leste's commitments to the protection of the marine environment and global biodiversity, promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.
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The Council of Ministers also approved the Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, for the creation of the Interministerial Sectoral Development Coordination Committees.
The Interministerial Coordination Committees, created by this Government Resolution, aim to optimize and monitor development in the areas of infrastructure, economic development, social affairs and institutional strengthening in Timor-Leste. These committees aim to ensure the effectiveness of foreign aid and alignment with the National Strategic Development Plan.
With this Government Resolution, four Interministerial Coordination Committees are established, each with specific responsibilities. The Infrastructure Commission will be led by the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investment. The Economic Development Commission will be led by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister for Tourism and the Environment. The Social Affairs Committee will be led by the coordinating minister for Social Affairs. Lastly, the Institutional Development Commission will be led by the Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. Each committee will include representatives from various ministries and secretariats of state relevant to their areas of activity.
The responsibilities of these commissions include identifying risks, defining priority actions, coordinating technical assistance and preparing sectoral development plans. Each commission will produce quarterly activity reports, which will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. Technical and secretarial support will be provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Also approved was the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, on the rules of engagement for the joint security operation of F-FDTL and PNTL Task Force, for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Timor-Leste.
This Government Resolution regulates the use of force by the F-FDTL and PNTL during the joint security operation. The use of force must comply with the principles of necessity, appropriateness and proportionality, and respect citizens' rights and guarantees. The rules of engagement are only effective after specific authorization by the Joint Task Force Command.
The implementation of these rules aims to ensure an effective and coordinated security operation, guaranteeing protection during Pope Francis' visit, while respecting human rights and the legal norms in force. The joint operation between F-FDTL and PNTL will allow for a more robust and coordinated response to any threat to public safety.
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The Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, Rogério Araújo Mendonça, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the autonomous institutions in this sector. END
- 31 of July of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 31st, 2024Approved:more
✅ 1 - Financial Contribution Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the Guido Valadares National Hospital Requalification project;
✅ 2 - First amendment to Decree-Law 15/2012 of March 28th on regulating the telecommunications sector; and
✅ 3 - Authorises the acquisition of properties belonging to private individuals through private law and the payment of the corresponding prices. - 24 of July of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 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 July 24th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to grant full powers to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China on Consolidating Agricultural Cooperation.
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to strengthen agricultural co-operation in a pragmatic way, improve food security, promote economic and social development and raise the welfare of the populations of both countries.
The Council of Ministers also decided to grant full powers to the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the National Radio and Television Administration of the People's Republic of China, for cooperation in the field of radio and television.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the initiative to reactivate and revise the “Facility for Light Credit Guarantee” (Fasilidade Garantia Crédito Suave) credit line, proposing its transformation into a new programme entitled "Facility for Healthy Credit Guarantee” (Fasilidade Garantia Crédito Saudável).
The revision of this programme aims to correct observed contradictions, improve the efficiency and accessibility of credit, and expand support to new economic activities. The planned changes include correcting the implementation model and improving access requirements.
The initiative aims to promote and stimulate private investment in strategic sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism and industry, which are essential for the growth and diversification of the national economy.
The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, on the definition of the composition of the Political Review Committee for the General State Budget for the year 2025.
The Political Review Committee is responsible for verifying the strategic allocation of resources in the budget submissions, with a view to achieving the commitments and objectives set out in the strategic documents and assessing the feasibility of the plans for the financial year 2025.
The Political Review Committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister and is also composed of the two Deputy Prime Ministers, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment. The Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, the President of the Institute for the Defence of Children's Rights and a representative of the Disabled People's Association of Timor-Leste will also take part in the Political Review Committee meetings as observers.
The meetings of the Political Review Committee will take place from 12 to 27 August 2024 in the Auditorium of the Ministry of Finance. END
- 17 of July of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 17th, 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 July 17th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to grant full powers to the Vice Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, to sign, on July 22nd, in Geneva, the instrument of acceptance of the Protocol of Accession of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), signed in Abu Dhabi on February 26th, 2024, and the Protocol amending the Marrakesh Agreement, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, signed in Geneva on June 17th, 2022, which prohibits certain forms of subsidies harmful to fisheries.
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The Vice Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, was also given full powers to sign agreements with:
The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China to:
○ Strengthening Investment Cooperation in the Digital Economy;
○ Promoting Investment Cooperation in Green Development;
The China International Development Cooperation Agency to:
○ Promoting the Implementation of the Global Development Initiative;
○ Promoting Chinese cooperation infrastructure projects.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Investment Promotion and Protection.
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The Council of Ministers granted full powers to the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Minister of the Interior and Security of the Government of the Republic of Korea to cooperate in the development of the Saemaul Undong initiative. This program, launched in South Korea in the 1970s, aims to improve local infrastructure, increase agricultural productivity, and promote community socio-economic development.
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The Council of Ministers decided to approve the total amount of expenditure associated with each budget heading for the 2025 General State Budget (2025 GSB), with the overall amount expected to be US$ 1.8 billion. This amount includes the budgets of the Central Administration, Social Security, and the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese).
The distribution of the aggregate budget ceiling for the Central Administration in the 2025 GSB is based on the sectors defined by the Government Program and the National Strategic Development Plan. The Social Capital Sector receives an allocation of 38%, followed by the Institutional Framework Sector with 36%, Infrastructure Development with 16%, and Economic Development with 10%.
The disaggregated ceilings will be distributed to public entities next Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, and they will have 11 days to prepare their budget proposals. The Budget Review Committee will analyse these proposals from August 12th to 27th, 2024. The 2025 GSB Law Proposal is expected to be submitted to the National Parliament by October 1st, 2024. END - 10 of July of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 10th, 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 July 10th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Decrees presented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, to regulate licence and inspection procedures and approve model forms and templates for commercial and industrial licensing.
The legislation applies to establishments whose companies carry out industrial or commercial activities classified as medium or high risk and operate on national territory. It establishes the procedures, forms, and templates required to license these activities.
The main objective is to ensure that the opening, alteration, or renovation of commercial or industrial establishments is preceded by a rigorous inspection, which ensures adequate operating conditions, safety, hygiene and public health. The legislation also provides for an inspection report to be drawn up describing the general conditions of the premises, identifying observations and recommendations.
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The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, for the appointment of Jesuíno dos Reis Matos Carvalho to become President of the Civil Protection Authority for a three-year term due to his recognised training, knowledge, technical capacity and experience for the position.
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The Council of Ministers attended the presentation of the report on the visit to Rwanda in the framework of the g7+, led by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, and the representatives of the g7+ and the inter-ministerial team that took part in the mission.
The purpose of the visit was to witness Rwanda's significant social recovery since the 1994 genocide. Today, Rwanda has a development model considered exemplary for developing countries. It stands out for its progress in infrastructure, investments in technology, strengthening of law and order, attraction of investors, and development of the tourism sector.
The mission's main objective was to exchange experiences and lessons learnt between Rwanda and Timor-Leste, allowing the members of the Timorese delegation to closely observe the successful practices implemented in Rwanda. Another important objective was establishing contacts with the Rwandan Government, with a view to future collaboration between the two countries.
The 16-member Timorese delegation, led by the Vice-Minister of State Administration, Jacinto Rigoberto Gomes de Deus, included representatives from various relevant ministries and was accompanied by a g7+ team that facilitated the mission. The visit, which took place from May 12th to 17th, 2024, provided valuable lessons and perspectives for Timor-Leste's development.
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The Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, gave a detailed presentation to the Council of Ministers on the state of execution of the 2024 General State Budget.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution on the prevention of offences related to the practice of martial arts.
This Government Resolution aims to consolidate the social peace achieved through the temporary suspension of martial arts and, in a controlled manner, allow their return. The aim is to ensure that the practice of martial arts forms part of the healthy exercise of sporting activity and contributes to young people's education and civic training.
The measures established by this Government Resolution include instructing the Minister of Interior to reinforce policing in border areas, preventing members of martial arts groups from participating in ritual ceremonies in Indonesia, refusing entry into national territory to foreign citizens who pose a threat to public health, order and safety, coordinating the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Interior with criminal police bodies to reinforce investigation teams into illegal activities related to martial arts, and reinforcing that disobeying legitimate orders constitutes a criminal offence, as provided for in the Penal Code. END
