Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes takes office as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, today, March 5th, 2026, swore in Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the 9th Constitutional Government, in a ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili.
The appointment was made by Presidential Decree No. 20/2026 of March 4th, pursuant to Article 86(h) of the Constitution of Timor-Leste, upon the proposal of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. 
Before this appointment, Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes served as Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic. She also previously held the role of Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice.
The creation of the position of Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation results from the second amendment to the organic law of the 9th Constitutional Government, approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on March 4th, through Decree-Law No. 11/2026.
The Decree-Law establishes the inclusion of the Vice Minister in the Government's composition, responsible for substituting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation when absent or hindered, and aiding him in managing his political, administrative, and financial duties related to implementing the country's foreign policy, ensuring its unity and coherence.
