Government of Timor-Leste

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, met today, October 30^th, 2025, at the Government Palace, with the new Ambassador of Portugal to Timor-Leste, Duarte Bué Alves, accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Portuguese Embassy, Rui Guilherme Araújo. This was the first official meeting between the minister and the Portuguese diplomat since the presentation of credentials to the President of the Republic in September. 

During the meeting, Ambassador Duarte Bué Alves reaffirmed Portugal's strong commitment to ongoing support for Timor-Leste, highlighting education and human resources training as key pillars of bilateral cooperation. He emphasised that the Strategic Cooperation Programme (PEC) 2024–2028, with a total value of €75 million (approximately US$87 million), is the primary instrument of partnership between the two countries.

Minister Agio Pereira reiterated that human resources training and capacity building are among the main priorities of the 9th Constitutional Government, emphasising that strengthening national competencies is vital for the country's sustainable development.

The diplomat also noted that 81% of the first year's PEC budget has already been allocated to the education and training sector, and argued about the importance of cooperation based on proximity and joint efforts, emphasising that Portugal should continue to work “with Timor-Leste” and not just “in Timor-Leste.”

The Minister expressed his gratitude for Portugal's support over the years and stated his full willingness to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation.