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On November 28^th, 2025, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Fernando de Sousa, paid an official visit to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao), which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation within the multilateral mechanism of the Forum Macao and to promote the business environment and investment opportunities in Timor-Leste. 

During the meeting with the Permanent Secretariat, initiatives to enhance cooperation between Timor-Leste, Macao, and Mainland China were discussed, with a focus on maximising the benefits of Macao’s Sino-Lusophone Platform. The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of Forum Macao, Ji Xianzheng; Deputy Secretaries-General Xie Ying and António Lei; the Coordinator of the Administration Office, Li Xiaohui; the Delegate of Timor-Leste to Forum Macao, António Ramos da Silva; and other members of the Secretariat.

On the same day, a “Lecture on the Business Environment and Investment Promotion in Timor-Leste” was held at the China-Portuguese Speaking Countries Trade Cooperation Service Platform Complex, organised by the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao. The session included the presentation of an institutional video on investment opportunities in the country, a thematic speech by Minister Gastão Fernando de Sousa, and direct interaction with participants through a question-and-answer session.

Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of Forum Macao, along with representatives from the Macao-Timor Friendship Association and other guests, attended the event. Business associations from Macao, companies from mainland China and Macao, as well as members of the Permanent Secretariat, were also present.

The lecture offered an opportunity to expand understanding of the business environment in Timor-Leste and to identify new prospects for economic collaboration. The initiative also strengthened the role of Macao’s Sino-Lusophone Platform in promoting investment and encouraging exchanges between Timor-Leste, Macao, and mainland China.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated on December 3^rd, 2025, across the country, with activities held in all municipalities and in the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). In the municipality of Manatuto, the celebrations were attended by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho. 

Organised by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Association of Persons with Disabilities of Timor-Leste, this year’s initiatives took place under the global theme “Promoting inclusive societies for persons with disabilities to advance social progress” and the national theme “The implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities” (PAN-EhD – acronym in Tetum) 2021-2030. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at all levels is crucial for Timor-Leste to promote social progress and strengthen inclusion. 

At the ceremony in Manatuto, Elvina Sousa Carvalho congratulated people with disabilities on the occasion and highlighted its importance, stating that “today we celebrate an important day that recognises that people with disabilities have the same rights as any other citizen and are an integral part of the country’s inclusive development.” 

The acting minister stressed that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to raise public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure equal access to public and private services, remove discriminatory barriers, and promote their full participation in family, community, and society. She also highlighted the importance of valuing talents and abilities to combat stigma and discrimination. 

Elvina Sousa Carvalho reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasising that this is a shared responsibility between the Government, the State, and civil society. 

The Secretary of State also noted that 2025 marks the completion of Timor-Leste’s Initial Report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention, a document that consolidates information from all ministries and includes vital contributions on policies, practices, challenges, and progress made to enhance the well-being of persons with disabilities and their families.

The celebration in Manatuto featured a thanksgiving mass, a march for inclusion, and the distribution of food supplies. The activities were organised by the Municipal Social Solidarity and Inclusion Centre, in collaboration with the Municipal Administration, local authorities, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and community groups. 

The celebrations occurred simultaneously across all municipalities and in the RAEOA, ensuring local community participation and reinforcing the principle that no person with a disability should be excluded from national inclusion initiatives. 

In Dili, Arlindo Pinto, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) and the Social Security Reserve Fund Institute (FRSS), took part in the ceremony at Dom Aleixo Administrative Post, Suco Comoro. He highlighted that “the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in all municipalities aims to ensure that this commemoration reaches all persons with disabilities in the country.” 

The Dili Municipal Authority, administrators, community leaders, organisations for people with disabilities, development partners, and members of the diplomatic corps attended the ceremony. 

In a message posted on social media, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, reaffirmed the “full commitment” of the 9th Constitutional Government to “inclusive development in Timor-Leste, ensuring that no one is left behind in the national development process.” The message emphasises that the implementation of PAN-EhD 2021-2030 is the key instrument for translating the commitments made by Timor-Leste under the UN Convention into tangible policies and actions capable of fostering equality, dignity, and inclusion across the entire country.

On December 4^th, 2025, the 3rd ASEAN Interministerial Coordination Meeting took place in the Grand Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili. The meeting aimed to strengthen national coordination following Timor-Leste’s official accession to the Association of Southeast Asia (ASEAN) on October 26^th, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The objectives included defining priorities, consolidating institutional structures, and establishing a timetable to ensure full national integration into the regional organisation. 

At the opening of the meeting, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stressed the importance of directing government efforts towards the commitments made as the 11th Member State of ASEAN, emphasising the need to ensure consistency between these commitments and the country’s national development goals.

The session reviewed the progress since signing the Admission Declaration at the 47th ASEAN Summit, including the status of legal instruments and follow-up actions already initiated. Timor-Leste’s participation in ASEAN activities and meetings as a full member, the necessary human resources, and the establishment of ASEAN units within various ministries and national institutions were also discussed. Participants also evaluated strategic aspects as well as logistical, administrative, and financial requirements related to national involvement in ASEAN meetings and activities.

At the close of the meeting, the commitment to continue strengthening interministerial coordination was reiterated, ensuring consistent implementation of the obligations arising from full membership.

At the Council of Ministers meeting on December 3^rd, 2025, the Executive decided to authorise a financial contribution of US$400,000 to the Unit for Timor-Leste within the ASEAN Secretariat. This support aims to ensure the Unit’s continued functioning and to strengthen technical and institutional monitoring activities for the integration process into the regional organisation.

On November 11^th, 2025, the National Parliament unanimously ratified the Declaration on the Accession of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to ASEAN. The session was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.

On that occasion, Minister Bendito Freitas stated that the ratification of the declaration “represents a decisive, historic and indispensable step towards the full integration of Timor-Leste into ASEAN”, adding that parliamentary approval “legally fulfils one of the noblest aspirations of our people”. Recalling the Prime Minister’s words, he also emphasised that this accession “not only represents the realisation of a collective dream, but also the validation of a long historical journey, marked by the courage, resilience, determination and unshakeable faith of the Timorese people”.

 

The Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26^th, 2025, symbolises the political and legal recognition of Timor-Leste’s full integration and guarantees its participation in all mechanisms provided for in the ASEAN Charter.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 3rd 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, for the approval of an extraordinary payment of one month’s additional salary to the Civil Service.

This decree-law aims to ensure, throughout 2025, the exceptional payment of an additional salary as a recognition of the commitment and dedication of civil servants and equivalent workers. The measure upholds the principle of universality, covering public office holders, civil servants, agents, members of defence and security forces, workers subject to the Labour Law, and public administration contractors, excluding foreign contractors.

The extraordinary payment generally corresponds to the salary earned in December 2025. To ensure uniformity, the amount allocated to contractors is aligned with the general regime and restricted to the maximum grade and level of the salary scale, similar to civil servants and agents. The law also states that the amount of the extraordinary payment cannot surpass the salary of the President of the Republic.

The payment will be made during December 2025 and will be financed from the funds available in the budgets of the respective employers. In cases where budgetary resources are insufficient, priority should be given to paying workers with the lowest salaries, with the remaining amounts being covered by the General State Budget for 2026.

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The draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, on the execution of the 2026 General State Budget, was approved.

This decree-law sets out the rules for implementing the General State Budget for 2026, approved by Law No. 8/2025 of November 27^th, defining the deadlines for closing the fiscal year, the terms for using letters of credit and fiduciary accounts, as well as the conditions for utilising cash advances and working capital funds, in accordance with the prevailing general regime.

Aiming to curb the growth of current expenditure and improve the management of public resources, the decree-law introduces specific rules for overtime, business travel, allowances, and catering services, thereby enhancing control over especially sensitive headings. It also prioritises strengthening internal auditing by requiring half-yearly reports on these expenses and the use of working capital and cash advances, thereby promoting greater accountability, transparency, and discipline in budget implementation in 2026.

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The Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution, submitted by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, authorising a financial contribution of four hundred thousand US dollars to the Unit for Timor-Leste at the ASEAN Secretariat.

This contribution aims to support the operation of the Unit above and to ensure the continuation of essential activities to monitor Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN following its full accession, formalised on October 26^th, 2025.

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The Council of Ministers analysed the preliminary presentation by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Civil Service Commission (CFP – acronym in Portuguese) of Timor-Leste, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, and the working group for the reform of human resources management in the Public Administration regarding the project to reorganise the structure of the public administration of the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno.

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Lastly, the Council of Ministers decided to grant the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, full powers to sign a cooperation agreement in education with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC – acronym in Portuguese). END

9.00 am, Government Palace

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, December 2^nd, 2025

Press Release

Government of Timor-Leste expresses solidarity with Asian countries affected by floods

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deep solidarity with the peoples and governments of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as with other countries in Southeast Asia affected by the floods and landslides that have caused more than a thousand deaths, hundreds of missing persons, and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in recent days.

The floods and landslides impacting Southeast Asia are among the most catastrophic events in recent years. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing in several regions, while the search for missing persons continues. Indonesia, especially the island of Sumatra, has endured the highest number of casualties, with hundreds dead and missing, infrastructure destroyed, and communities isolated. In Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, authorities have declared states of emergency in various areas, where millions of people face severe losses, thousands are sheltered in temporary accommodation, and disruptions to access essential services, education, and livelihoods persist.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, “on behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste”, expresses his “deepest sympathies and solidarity to the people in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand suffering as a result of recent extreme tropical storms that have caused devastating floods and landslides”.

The Head of the Government also notes that “the loss of life and displacement of people is tragic and heartbreaking.  We are deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy, and the scenes of widespread flooding and displacement have been felt with great concern in Timor-Leste.”

The Government Spokesperson and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, states that “at this difficult time, our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we commend the commitment of all those who remain dedicated to searching for survivors and assisting the affected communities”.

The Government of Timor-Leste reaffirms its confidence “that with the strength and resilience of their people, these nations will recover and rebuild.  Timor-Leste stands in solidarity with our Asian sisters and brothers at this time of grief and recovery”. END

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Last Friday, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence, declared on November 28^th, 1975, with a national programme of celebrations held across all municipalities of the country, in the Oe-cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA), and in the Ataúro Administrative Authority, involving various state entities and several members of the Government. 

In Dili, the main ceremony took place at the Government Palace, where independence was proclaimed in 1975. The solemn ceremony of raising the National Flag was presided over by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, and was attended by the President of the National Parliament, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Vice Prime Minister, members of the Government, former heads of sovereign bodies, representatives of the Defence and Security Forces, the diplomatic corps, and international guests, including the Vice President of the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic, Rodrigo Saraiva, as well as other foreign dignitaries.

The session started with a military parade and the raising of the national flag by secondary school students from various regions of the country. This was followed by the reading of the original text of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 1975, and a minute’s silence in honour of the Heroes of the Fatherland who gave their lives for freedom and national sovereignty.

In his speech, the President of the Republic emphasised the historical significance of the date and recalled the contribution of the generations who fought for independence, stating that “today we celebrate a date that is the very breath of our national identity: the 50th Anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste”. He also recalled the progress achieved in recent decades, highlighting the consolidation of democratic rule of law, improvements in health and education indicators, a significant reduction in mortality, and the responsible management of the Sovereign Fund. Additionally, he emphasised the path to reconciliation, the consolidation of maritime borders, and the commitment to a sustainable development model based on economic diversification, the blue economy, and renewable energy.

President Ramos-Horta also highlighted the strategic role played by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão in leading the liberation struggle: “He depoliticised FALINTIL, elevating it from a military arm to a national soul, transforming it into a force for all and by all”. He also stressed that “he was the strategist of the different fronts, in an epic journey that took us from the near-fatal defeats of 1977–1981 to the glorious night of May 20^th, 2002”, adding that “Xanana and Timor-Leste are like the Phoenix, which, from the smouldering ashes of destruction, is reborn with broader wings and a purer soul”.

In conclusion, he called for national unity, stating: “May this day reaffirm our commitment to freedom, unity, development, and the dignity of our people. May the example of our heroes inspire every Timorese to contribute, with hard work and determination, to building a prosperous, modern, and respected Timor-Leste”.

In the Special Administrative Region of Oe-cússe Ambeno, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presided over the solemn ceremony of raising the National Flag in Pante Makasar. Before representatives of the RAEOA administrative structure, civil and military authorities, and the local population, the Head of the Government recalled the historical sequence that led to the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence on November 28^th, 1975, emphasising the importance of the decisions taken at that time to assert Timor-Leste’s right to self-determination and to mobilise international support for the Timorese cause.

Addressing the citizens of RAEOA, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of the key figures from 1975 and urged the younger generations to learn about this history. He encouraged them to face current challenges with bravery, fostering social unity and regional development. The Minister of Public Works, the Vice Minister of Infrastructure, the Secretaries of State for Electricity and Water and Sanitation, representatives of local authorities, as well as citizens and representatives of partner entities, also attended the ceremony.

The 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence was also commemorated across all municipalities and at the Administrative Authority of Ataúro, with ceremonies to raise the National Flag, tributes to former combatants and martyrs of the liberation struggle, and civic and cultural events. Members of the Government travelled to the municipalities to take part in local ceremonies on behalf of the State, emphasising the national, inclusive, and decentralised character of the celebrations.

Alongside the main ceremony at the Government Palace, the commemorative programme in Dili also featured an Exhibition on the Development of Local Governance in Tasi Tolu, a Mass of Thankfulness at the Cathedral, the laying of flowers in honour of the Heroes of the Nation, and the opening of the exhibition “O Rosto da Proclamação e a Alma da Resistência” (The Face of the Proclamation and the Soul of the Resistance) at the Timorese Resistance Archive-Museum, initiatives that recalled the historical journey of the struggle for self-determination and the path to building the Timorese state.

The celebrations also took place at the National Parliament, with a solemn session held on November 27^th to mark the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Proclamation of Independence. On that occasion, with the participation of the Vice-President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, Rodrigo Saraiva, the parliamentary groups delivered messages reflecting on the sacrifice of the Timorese people during the resistance struggle, the progress made over the past 50 years, and the future challenges of national development, reaffirming the importance of independence and democracy in the country’s political life.

Under the motto “May the celebration of these 50 years of the past give us confidence in the present and hope for the future,” the programme for the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence reaffirmed the commitment of national institutions to preserving historical memory, strengthening democracy, promoting social justice, and building a future of peace and development for all the people of Timor-Leste.

Prime Minister

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, 27 November 2025

Press Release

Statement by H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on the tragedy in Hong Kong

The devastating fire in Hong Kong is a tragic and heartbreaking event.

Our hearts are with the families and friends of all who have lost their lives, and with those who remain missing.

We pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the firefighters, first responders, and all those working tirelessly in rescue and recovery efforts.

On behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste, I express our solidarity with the people of China at this terrible time. END