Minister of Education Reinforces Strategic Partnership with Camões IP to Strengthen the Portuguese Language in Timor-Leste
On June 24th, in Lisbon, Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares paid a courtesy visit to Camões – Institute for Cooperation and the Portuguese Language, IP, where she reaffirmed the Timorese Government’s commitment to deepening cooperation in education, teacher training, and the promotion of the Portuguese language. 
During the meeting, the Minister thanked Camões President Florbela Paraíba for her hospitality and highlighted the vital role the institution has played over the years in developing Timor-Leste’s education system.
In her remarks, the Minister emphasised that relations between Timor-Leste and Portugal are rooted in a shared history, common values, and strong cultural and linguistic ties. In this context, she highlighted the strategic importance of the Portuguese language as the official language of the state, public administration, legislation, education, and scientific and academic production in Timor-Leste.
The Minister also acknowledged Camões IP’s contribution to the professional development of Timorese teachers, with particular emphasis on the PRO-Portuguese Project, whose results she considered worthy of recognition and gratitude. However, she stressed that significant challenges remain, particularly in strengthening the language skills of new teachers entering the profession each year.
The Minister recalled that the recent technical mission to Lisbon by INFORDEPE and the Ministry of Education enabled the resumption of institutional dialogue with Camões IP and the start of joint discussions on a new phase of cooperation. In this regard, she reiterated the Timor-Leste Government's strong desire to continue working in close partnership with the Portuguese institution to prepare a new programme of cooperation tailored to the current needs of the Timorese education system.
The Ministry of Education expects that, throughout 2026, the necessary technical work will be carried out to design and formalise a new cooperation project, with a view to beginning its implementation in 2027.
In concluding her remarks, the Minister of Education reaffirmed the Government of Timor-Leste’s deep appreciation for the work carried out by Camões IP and expressed its full willingness to continue strengthening this relationship of trust, friendship, and cooperation for the benefit of education, teacher training, and the promotion of the Portuguese language in Timor-Leste.
