Government of Timor-Leste

On October 27^th, 2026, in Dili, the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, met with Portugal’s Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcão Júdice, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the justice sector, with a focus on technology in justice services and land registration. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 19th Conference of Ministers of Justice of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CMJPLOP).

During the meeting, both Ministers addressed the strengthening of institutional cooperation between their respective Ministries within the framework of existing cooperation mechanisms, as well as the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices between institutions in both countries.

Among the areas examined were the application of technology to justice services and land registration, within the broader context of modernising public services and enhancing institutional capacities. Opportunities for technical and institutional exchange, the identification of new areas of collaboration, and the development of joint initiatives were also discussed.

The meeting continued the dialogue between the two leaders, which began in Lisbon on June 24^th of this year. During that meeting, the two delegations reviewed the status of bilateral cooperation and addressed human resources development, capacity building for Timorese judicial authorities, support for the Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ – acronym in Portuguese), and the modernisation of registry and notary services.

The June meeting also covered the continuation of Portuguese support for the CFJJ, including the training programme for Timorese legal trainers, which is scheduled for 2027.

The bilateral meeting took place within the framework of the 19th CMJPLOP, which brought together justice officials from CPLP Member States in Dili to strengthen legal and judicial cooperation, share experience, and coordinate institutions.

Both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue and coordination between their respective Ministries to strengthen bilateral relations and develop cooperation mechanisms tailored to the needs and priorities of both nations.

Directors of Departments from the Ministry of Justice of Timor-Leste, the Ambassador of Portugal to Timor-Leste, Duarte Bué Alves, and other members of the Portuguese delegation attended the meeting.