The Territorial Coordination Council assesses progress and priorities for municipal development

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The 2026 Amended State Budget was approved in general matters by the National Parliament with no votes against

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Timor-Leste hosts a regional forum on youth entrepreneurship and economic cooperation

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Keynote address at the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry Conference

Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

26 May 2026

 

 

url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0

Speech on the occasion of the general debate on the amendment to the General State Budget for 2026

“Investing in National Transformation, Regional Integration, Inclusive Development and National Resilience”

Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

National Parliament, 28 May 2026

url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0

Minister Agio Pereira meets with an expert in the Law of the Sea to discuss the development of the legislative framework for the Blue Economy

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Timor-Leste and the European Union discuss cooperation on digitalisation, cybersecurity and maritime infrastructure

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Government and the National Parliament begin discussions on the proposed amendment to the 2026 GSB, which includes measures to mitigate the impact of the international crisis

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presented, today, May 28th, 2026, in the National Parliament, a law proposal for the first amendment to the 2026 General State Budget (GSB 2026), thereby initiating the general debate and the process of discussion and voting on the supplementary budget. 709844549 867657886390541 1134189664912448345 n 300x174 Government and the National Parliament begin discussions on the proposed amendment to the 2026 GSB, which includes measures to mitigate the impact of the international crisis  Government and the National Parliament begin discussions on the proposed amendment to the 2026 GSB, which includes measures to mitigate the impact of the international crisis

During the presentation of the proposal, the Head of Government stated that “the budget debate is not merely about numbers, percentages, and financial data,” emphasising that “the ultimate goal is to promote the country’s development and the well-being of its citizens.”

The Prime Minister cited the current international situation—marked by geopolitical instability and its impact on global energy markets—as the reason for the budget amendment. “The world is currently facing a period of unpredictability and insecurity, with dire consequences that are felt most acutely in developing countries, such as Timor-Leste,” he said.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão warned that “Timor-Leste, which remains heavily dependent on imports, is particularly vulnerable to these shocks, which could even lead to social instability,” and added that “it is our duty—that of the Government and the National Parliament—to ensure national security and protect the Timorese.”

The main measure proposed in the Supplementary Budget is the creation of a national strategic fuel reserve valued at US$174.3 million. According to the Prime Minister, “this is a strategic decision to ensure the continuity of fuel supplies in Hera, Betano, RAEOA, and Ataúro, as well as to safeguard the operation of essential services during a period of global uncertainty.”

The Head of Government explained that the reserve will cover approximately seven months of the country’s electricity generation fuel needs. “The main measure is the creation of a national strategic fuel reserve worth US$174.3 million, sufficient to cover approximately seven months of electricity generation needs,” he stated.

The proposal also includes a US$42 million fuel subsidy programme to mitigate the impact of rising international fuel prices on households and businesses. “We are also introducing a US$42 million fuel subsidy programme to limit the direct impact of rising international fuel prices on households and businesses,” he said.

During his speech, the Prime Minister noted that the budget amendment was prepared by reallocating funds from projects deemed less of a priority to address the most urgent needs. “The reallocation of resources from lower-priority projects to priority and urgent areas does not represent a step backward, but rather an honest effort to redefine priorities,” he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that the proposal aims to address the current situation without immediately increasing the strain on the Petroleum Fund. “We are responding to an urgent crisis, but without placing any immediate additional strain on the Petroleum Fund,” he said.

In his address to Members of Parliament, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão reaffirmed the Executive’s ongoing commitment to its priorities. “Our goals to invest in national transformation, regional integration, and inclusive development remain firm,” he said.

“The Government will continue to invest in roads and bridges, improve schools and health services, support agriculture and tourism, support the private sector, and create opportunities for young people,” he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Timor-Leste’s commitment to regional integration and to participation in international organisations. “The Government will also continue to work to ensure that Timor-Leste fulfils its responsibilities as a member of ASEAN,” he said.

Regarding Timor-Leste’s international standing, he stated that “integration into ASEAN, accession to the WTO, cooperation with the CPLP, and partnerships with our neighbours and development partners are not merely symbolic. They are pathways to our country’s development and to bilateral and regional stability and cooperation.”

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also noted that, despite the current international situation, “our economy remains resilient,” and added that “Timor-Leste is moving forward. Our people are working, our companies are investing, our public programmes are supporting economic activity, and our reforms are beginning to strengthen the economy’s foundations.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged, however, that the country remains vulnerable to external factors. “Despite the positive progress, we remain vulnerable to external shocks,” he said, adding, “We cannot, however, give up. Within our means, we have a duty to take all necessary measures to safeguard our country and protect the well-being of our people.”

At the conclusion of his remarks, the Head of Government appealed to the sense of responsibility of the sovereign bodies during the parliamentary debate on the law proposal. “The budget amendment law proposal is presented with seriousness and confidence. Confidence in the resilience of our people. Confidence in the dedication of our institutions. And confidence in the sense of responsibility of the sovereign bodies,” he stated.

“We are here today to discuss a well-considered, balanced, and pragmatic budget amendment—an amendment aimed at ensuring the country’s security and protecting our people,” he concluded.

Following the Prime Minister’s presentation of the law proposal, the National Parliament began the general debate on the amendment to the 2026 GSB. The detailed debate will run from May 29th to June 2nd, culminating in the final overall vote on the first amendment to Law No. 8/2025 of November 27th.

url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 27th, 2026

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 27th, 2026

The Council of Ministers met in the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium at the Ministry of Finance in Dili to review the status of budget execution by government departments and their respective autonomous agencies under the 2026 General State Budget (2026 GSB), approved by Law No. 8/2025 of November 27th. All members of the Government, as well as the heads of the institutes and agencies within the State’s indirect administration, attended the meeting.

As of May 26th, 2026, execution of the 2026 GSB reached 30%. Of the total budget (including social security), set at US$2.445 billion, approximately US$736 million has been spent to date. During the meeting, the main challenges in budget execution were analysed, particularly those related to implementing the new Procurement and Public Contracts Code, as well as the needs and measures aimed at strengthening capacity to execute the programmes and projects outlined in the 2026 GSB. The operation of the computerised procurement system was also presented and analysed. END

url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0

Vice Prime Minister advocates reading and writing as the foundation of critical thinking among young people

On May 21st, 2026, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino attended the opening ceremony of the Literacy Festival at the Chega! National Centre in Dili, where he emphasised the importance of reading and writing for the education of young Timorese. 703394659 875934598882654 2295425513925384981 n 300x200 Vice Prime Minister advocates reading and writing as the foundation of critical thinking among young people 703948667 875934875549293 4366960379197300678 n 300x199 Vice Prime Minister advocates reading and writing as the foundation of critical thinking among young people 703914924 875934405549340 411806365941870843 n 300x199 Vice Prime Minister advocates reading and writing as the foundation of critical thinking among young people 703565212 875934422216005 7338751069326175152 n 300x199 Vice Prime Minister advocates reading and writing as the foundation of critical thinking among young people 703158445 875935568882557 195744321675142609 n 300x199 Vice Prime Minister advocates reading and writing as the foundation of critical thinking among young people

In his opening remarks at the event, Mariano Assanami Sabino said that promoting reading remains essential in an era of rapid technological change and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Reading helps us understand our history, learn from the past, and apply important values to the new realities we face,” he said.

The Vice Prime Minister also warned of the risks of excessive reliance on digital technologies, noting that the indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence could diminish the capacity for critical thinking and individual effort.

“Reading must remain the foundation of our identity, culture, and character,” he added.

The Literacy Festival aims to foster an interest in reading, writing, and intellectual debate by promoting learning and critical thinking habits among young people and the wider community.

This initiative comes at a time when Timor-Leste is stepping up its efforts to improve the educational attainment and skills of its young people, in preparation for more active participation in regional and international forums, including ASEAN, the CPLP, the g7+, and the World Trade Organisation.

url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0