Media Releases
- 09 of April of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 9th, 2025Aproved:more
✅ 1 - Revocation of the Legal Regime for the Public-Private Partnership of Diagnostic Services;
✅ 2 - Second amendment to the Public Prosecutor's Statute;
✅ 3 - Regulation of the ceremonial raising and lowering of the National Flag at official ceremonies commemorating the Proclamation and Restoration of National Independence;
✅ 4 - Appointment of members and President of the General Council of the Polytechnic Institute of Betano;
✅ 5 - Suspension of the opening of new study cycles in Higher Education;
✅ 6 - Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia on Cooperation in Higher Education; and
✅ 7 - Establishment of Cabos de Timor-Leste, EP. - 03 of April of 2025Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 3rd, 2025Analysed:more
➡️ - Presentation of the results of the audits carried out by the international company EY.
. - 02 of April of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 2nd, 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 April 2nd, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, which extends, until December 31st, 2025, the suspension of the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts and the temporary closure of all places and facilities intended for the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts.
This measure follows Government Resolution 45/2023 of November 10th, which was already extended by Government Resolutions 17/2024 of April 24th and 60/2024 of November 7th.
The reasons for suspending the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts and the closure of the respective venues remain in place. The measure is still considered necessary to consolidate the social peace achieved since November 2023 and to ensure that, in the future, the practice of martial arts takes place exclusively in a sporting context, promoting values of discipline, civility and humanistic training among young people. This justifies the extension of the suspension and the temporary closure of the facilities associated with these activities.
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The draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, which, using the legislative authorisation granted by Law no. 7/2024, of October 23rd, makes the second amendment to Law no. 8/2004, of June 16th, which approves the Civil Service Statute, was also approved.
This law establishes 65 as the mandatory age for the termination of the employment relationship of civil servants and agents of the Public Administration, which automatically takes place on the day the worker reaches this age. The measure aims to promote the rejuvenation of public administration staff, guarantee generational renewal and improve the quality and efficiency of the services provided to the population. The law also stipulates that the Civil Service Commission must notify the worker, the respective employer and Social Security at least 90 days before the termination of service.
In situations of duly substantiated public interest, and when the immediate replacement of the employee is not possible, it will be possible to extend the performance of duties, by mutual agreement, up to the age of 68
The Decree-Law comes into force on January 1st, 2026.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, on the Voluntary Contribution of US$ 500,000 to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Center) to support the response to the emergency in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar caused by the recent earthquakes that affected the region, with serious consequences, including human losses, population displacement and destruction of social, economic and environmental infrastructure.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Prime Minister, on the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA)’ special administration model.
This Government Resolution aims to organise, in consultation with the local population of the Oe-Cússe Ambeno enclave, a new model for the administration of the region's Authority and the special economic zone model, constitutionally envisaged for the region. It is also intended to consult with the administrative leaders, local authorities and the Oe-Cússe Ambeno society on the choice and appointment, from among them, of who will be able to exercise the mandates of administration of the region, in the Authority and the special economic zone. END - 29 of March of 2025Statement by the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste on the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March 2025Prime Ministermore
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Statement by the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste on the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March 2025
The Government and people of Timor-Leste express their heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March 2025.
This tragic event has resulted in the loss of many lives, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and has left communities in deep distress. The people of Timor-Leste are shocked by the scale of the disaster and its impact and stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and Thailand during this time of grief.
The Government of Timor-Leste commends the actions of the authorities of both countries in responding to this disaster and providing urgent support to those in need. We also welcome the rapid response of the international community and urge continued and coordinated humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar and Thailand.
In the face of such tragedies, the unity and shared responsibility of the international community are more vital than ever. We must come together to deliver assistance, support those in crisis and help rebuild lives and communities.
In a message of condolence, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, stated "The Timorese people are deeply saddened by this tragedy that has taken so many lives and caused such immense damage in our neighbouring countries. We offer our heartfelt solidarity and stand ready to support our friends during this difficult time."
Timor-Leste sends its thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have lost loved ones, to the injured and to all those affected by this disaster. The Timorese Government is ready to offer any assistance that it can provide to support the recovery and reconstruction efforts. ENDS - 28 of March of 2025Timor-Leste expresses its solidarity with Thailand and Myanmar After the Devastating EarthquakePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Timor-Leste expresses its solidarity with Thailand and Myanmar After the Devastating Earthquake
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste extends its deepest sympathy and solidarity to the governments and people of Thailand and Myanmar, which were severely affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Friday, March 28, 2025, resulting in several fatalities, injuries, and significant material damage.
The Thai authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least three people in Bangkok due to the collapse of a building under construction, with dozens more reported missing. In Myanmar, the earthquake, with its epicentre near the city of Mandalay, prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in several regions of the country.
Timor-Leste shares the suffering of the brotherly peoples of the region and extends its most sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a swift recovery to those injured and those directly affected by this disaster. The Government expresses solidarity with the affected countries' emergency and reconstruction efforts, recognising the resilience and strength of their populations during this time of great adversity.
The Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, on behalf of the entire Government, expressed his solidarity with the people and governments of Thailand and Myanmar affected by this catastrophe. He stated that “during this difficult time, our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we commended the commitment of all those who continue to dedicate themselves to searching for survivors and assisting the affected communities”. END
- 26 of March of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 26th, 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 March 26th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal, presented by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, for the second amendment to Law No. 25/2021, of December 21st, on the Judicial Organisation Law.
This amendment aims to allow the President of the Republic to continue to appoint the President of the Court of Appeal for a four-year term until the Supreme Court of Justice is installed.
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Following the project presented by the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise the signing of the Financial Contribution Agreement between Timor-Leste and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for the development of the project “For every child, Early Childhood care and Education”.
This project aims to support Timorese children aged three to five in reaching their full potential through access to high-quality early childhood development programmes. The agreement provides for funding totalling US$6 million, and the Minister of Finance was appointed to sign the agreement on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste.
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Two draft Decree Laws presented by the Minister for National Liberation Combatants' Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru,” were approved: the 7th amendment to Decree-Law no. 15/2008, of June 4th, which regulates pensions for national liberation combatants and martyrs, and the 2nd amendment to Decree-Law no. 5/2012, of February 15th, which regulates the Single Cash Benefit for national liberation combatants and family members of martyrs.
The proposed amendments aim to ensure that these schemes are in line with Law no. 3/2024 of June 12th, which made the 3rd amendment to the National Liberation Combatants' Statute, introducing measures to simplify administrative procedures, clarify requirements and deadlines, and strengthen the role of municipal councils in supporting beneficiaries.
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Also approved was the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, which determines the dismissal of the current members of the Board of Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Timor-Leste, IP (AACTL) and the appointment of Zezinho António F. Gusmão as Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as Maria Luísa Monteiro and Cornélio Vasconcelos as members of the AACTL Board of Directors. END
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The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Defence, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes. This Decree-Law establishes the rules for the transition to reserve and retirement status of F-FDTL military veterans.
This legislative intervention, effective from December 31st, 2025, provides for the transition to reserve status for military veterans who reach the age limit for their rank and the transition to retirement for those still on active duty who have reached the age of 60. This Decree-Law also establishes the granting, on a transitional and exceptional basis, of a monthly food allowance of 300 dollars to retired F-FDTL military veterans, ensuring a fair and dignified retirement process. This amount can be accumulated with the retirement pension granted by the general social security system. END - 19 of March of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 19th, 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 March 19th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law presented by Agio Pereira, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, on the administrative supervision regime for public bodies that are part of the State's Indirect Administration.
The Decree-Law addresses the need to standardise the exercise of supervisory powers over public institutes to ensure more efficient and coordinated management. Without prejudice to each entity's specificities, this regime establishes a common framework for government supervision, ensuring greater coherence in the actions of public institutes.
Among the main provisions, the Decree-Law defines the powers of the responsible Government member, along with a set of joint authorisations that, due to their impact on public spending, must be approved in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. Actions related to the organisation of Public Administration and participation in private entities now require the approval of the Council of Ministers, and any actions undertaken without this authorisation are deemed null and void.
Provision is also made for substitute supervision, enabling a government member to intervene in cases of serious inertia, thereby ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Breaching these rules may result in civil, criminal, disciplinary, and financial liability. To comply with the new regulations, public institutions will be granted a transition period to revise their statutes and internal legislation.
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The draft Decree-Law on the medical prescription regime presented by the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, was also approved. The Decree-Law aims to establish the necessary rules to guarantee the safety and efficacy of medicine prescribed to prevent malpractice and protect public health.
Among the primary measures is the mandatory prescription of medications, limited to doctors and dentists in the proper exercise of their duties. The law also establishes a maximum validity period for prescriptions and imposes restrictions on the quantity of medications prescribed.
To reinforce the control and authenticity of the prescriptions, they will be printed exclusively by the Timor-Leste National Press, guaranteeing traceability and sequential numbering. The law also provides for a system of inspection and sanctions, including fines and accessory penalties, for cases of non-compliance.
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Also, on a proposal from the Minister of Health, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise a US$2.46 million expenditure to carry out complementary work on the construction of the new Paediatrics and Intensive Coronary Care Unit at the Guido Valadares National Hospital. The Minister of Health was also delegated the power to sign the amendment to the contract with the company responsible for the project.
This contract amendment and the corresponding additional expense are necessary to adapt to new structural and regulatory standards, correct technical aspects identified in the design review, and implement improvements that guarantee greater efficiency and safety in the hospital infrastructure. Complementary works include installing an air conditioning system that reduces the risk of contamination, an advanced wastewater treatment system for safe reuse, and improved thermal and structural insulation.
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At the proposal of Minister of the Interior Francisco da Costa Guterres, the Council of Ministers approved the Government's draft Resolution, which outlines the rules for the transitional promotion of police officers from the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) in accordance with the modalities stipulated in Article 155 of the Police Statute.
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The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, then presented the political-legislative options regarding the model for implementing polytechnic institutions in Timor-Leste.
Considering the plan to expand technical higher education in strategic areas, the options presented aim to establish a solid and effective model for managing national polytechnic institutions. The Council of Ministers endorsed the option of merging polytechnic institutes into a single structure and branching out into colleges, thus avoiding the establishment of management structures in each institute.
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Lastly, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Institute (INSS), Arlindo Pinto, presented the Council of Ministers with the report on the Social Security Reserve Fund.
During the presentation, the nature and characteristics of the fund were explained, emphasising its evolution from the initial capital of US$151 million to the current US$233.5 million. The fund's investment policy was also elaborated upon, illustrating how resources have been allocated over time. Additionally, the INSS mobile application was introduced, a digital tool that allows users, among other features, to access information about their contribution history and simulate the value of their future pension. END - 12 of March of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 12th, 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 March 12th, 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, for the Consigned Contribution to the Voluntary Fund of the United Nations Resident Coordinator System, in the amount of two hundred thousand US dollars.
This contribution reinforces Timor-Leste's commitment to reforming the United Nations development system, which the UN Secretary-General promoted, and to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Resident Coordinator System Voluntary Fund is a financial mechanism established to support and strengthen the coordination function of United Nations development activities in member states, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and inclusion in development initiatives.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, regarding a donation to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe in the amount of five hundred thousand US dollars to support the costs arising from the Rotating Presidency of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
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The draft Law Proposal concerning the Export Promotion Law, presented by the Vice Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, was also approved in his capacity as Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs.
This legislative initiative aims to establish a legal framework to facilitate and encourage the export of goods and services, strengthen the competitiveness of the national private sector, and promote a favourable environment for foreign trade and foreign investment. The legislation aligns with the National Strategic Development Plan guidelines and Timor-Leste's international commitments, including membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and ASEAN.
The main measures introduced include simplifying export procedures, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and ensuring greater predictability for economic operators. The law also provides for the establishment of tax and administrative incentives for exporting companies, the formal recognition of certified companies and the implementation of a one-stop shop to facilitate the export process. It also establishes rules for training exporters, especially small and medium-sized companies, and promotes special economic zones to attract industries aimed at the foreign market.
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The Council of Ministers also approved a Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, on the new organic law of the Migration Service.
This reform arises from the need to modernise the structure responsible for border control and managing migratory flows in Timor-Leste. Its goal is to ensure greater efficiency in managing migratory flows, strengthen national security, and respond to current challenges, such as increased human mobility and stricter border control.
With the new organic law, the Migration Office will have an Executive Director and two General Directors responsible for operational and administrative areas, ensuring more agile and effective management. The internal structure will be reorganised into three specialised National Directorates and seven technical offices to promote greater specialisation and efficiency.
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At the proposal of the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, three draft government decrees were approved relating to the Municipal Spatial Planning Plans for Baucau, Viqueque and Lautém.
These plans establish the local territorial development strategy, define the municipal land-use and urban planning policy, and ensure the integration of the different sectoral policies that impact the municipal territory.
At the local level, the Municipal Spatial Planning Plans translate the guidelines established in the national strategic planning instruments, ensuring a structured vision for each municipality’s growth and sustainable development. Their main measures include defining the municipal land-use planning model, regulating the occupation and use of land and the programmed management of public space, allowing for more efficient planning suited to local needs.
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Lastly, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art, and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, and the Martial Arts Regulatory Commission (CRAM) presented the Council of Ministers with the Report on Martial Arts activities as part of the application of Government Resolution No. 60/2024, of November 7th. This Government Resolution extended the suspension of the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts and rituals throughout the national territory, initially determined by Government Resolution No. 45/2023 of November 10th and subsequently extended by Government Resolution No. 17/2024 of April 24th, until April 10th, 2025. END
