Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste and Portugal meet in Lisbon
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, met in Lisbon on 17 January 2026 with the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and deepening political dialogue on matters of common interest within the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese). 
The meeting focused in particular on the political, democratic, and constitutional situation in Guinea-Bissau, with an exchange of views on political and diplomatic initiatives that could contribute to a peaceful solution in line with the constitutional order, including the possible mobilisation of regional and multilateral efforts within the CPLP. 
The parties reiterated the CPLP's position in defence of the constitutional order, rejecting any legitimisation of the coup d'état and calling for the release of those detained in the wake of the political crisis as a condition for returning to democratic normality.
Activities associated with Timor-Leste's pro tempore presidency of the CPLP were also discussed, along with preparations for the organisation's 30th-anniversary celebrations, including initiatives to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among member states.
