Media Releases
- 21 of April of 2025Condolence Statement by the Government of Timor-Leste following the death of His Holiness Pope FrancisTimor-Leste was deeply saddened to learn of His Holiness Pope Francis's death. He was a spiritual leader with an invaluable impact on humanity, a tireless defender of the most vulnerable, and a promoter of peace, justice, and fraternity among peoples.more
- 10 of April of 2025Day off on the afternoon of April 17th and all day on April 21st, 2025, for the Easter CelebrationDay off on the afternoon of April 17th and all day on April 21st, 2025, for the Easter Celebrationmore
- 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
