Today, November 11th, 2025, the National Parliament unanimously ratified Draft Resolution No. 48/VI, which approves the Declaration on the Accession of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), formalizing the country’s full integration as the 11th Member State of the regional organization. The plenary session was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel. 

The ratification follows the signing of the Declaration of Admission on October 26th, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the 47th ASEAN Summit, where Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão signed the document together with the Heads of State and Government of the organization’s country members. 

The Declaration symbolizes the political and legal recognition of Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN and represents, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, “a decisive, historic and indispensable step towards the full integration of Timor-Leste into ASEAN”.

With the approval of this resolution, “one of our people’s noblest aspirations has been legally realized, cementing Timor-Leste’s role and commitment to the principles, values and objectives that govern ASEAN — peace, stability, shared prosperity and mutual respect among the nations of the region,” said the Minister.

Under the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the National Parliament to approve the accession and ratification of international treaties and agreements. Thus, the resolution approved today by Parliament, following the proposal submitted by the Government, complies with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic, completing the legal process of accession. 

Minister Bendito Freitas expressed his “deepest gratitude and appreciation to the National Parliament for the unequivocal, responsible and patriotic support it has shown throughout this process,” with particular mention to Committee B “for its tireless dedication, technical rigor and spirit of institutional cooperation, which have resulted in valuable contributions during the various debates.”

The adoption of the resolution marks the culmination of more than two decades of national commitment and reaffirms the sovereign will of the Timorese people to actively participate in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Recalling the Prime Minister’s words, Minister Bendito Freitas reaffirmed that “this accession not only represents the realization 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 represents the political acceptance by ASEAN Member States of the inclusion of Timor-Leste as a full Member State, in accordance with Article 6(4) of the ASEAN Charter, constituting an essential step towards the full integration of Timor-Leste into the organization’s mechanisms and structures. END

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, November 11^th, 2025

Press Release

Message on the occasion of the 34th Anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre and the 20th Anniversary of National Youth Day

On November 12^th, 2025, Timor-Leste will mark the 34^th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre and the 20^th anniversary of National Youth Day — a date established in honour of the courage and determination of the young Timorese who, in 1991, rose up peacefully for the freedom and dignity of the Timorese people.

On November 12^th, 1991, after a memorial mass for Sebastião Gomes, young people marched from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery in Dili in an act of faith and resistance that was brutally suppressed by the occupying forces. Hundreds of people lost their lives, many were injured and others disappeared. This tragedy was a turning point in the struggle for self-determination, raising international awareness of the cause of Timor-Leste.

In commemorating this date, the Government pays tribute to the generation of young people who sacrificed their lives for independence and reaffirms its commitment to supporting today’s youth — the heirs to that courage — to become protagonists of national development.

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, states that “when we remember the massacre and celebrate National Youth Day every year, we recognise the courage, resilience and enthusiasm of our young people, as well as their potential as agents of change. Every 12 November, we honour the past and renew our hope for the future, reflecting on the character and contribution of the youth of Timor-Leste.”

The Minister adds that “on this day, we pay tribute to those who fought with faith and courage, remembering not only the victims of the massacre, but also the decisive role of young people in national consolidation and development, as well as in defending the values of freedom, justice and unity that continue to inspire Timor-Leste. He emphasises that “by honouring the memory of the past, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in today’s youth, so that they can realise their potential and lead our country towards a more prosperous, united and supportive future.” END

On November 11th, 2025, at the Government Palace, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, swore in the new Commissioners of the Public Service Commission (CFP), Agapito da Conceição and Jorge Paiva Araújo, appointed by the National Parliament under the terms of Resolution No. 47/2025 of October 15th.

In his speech, Minister Agio Pereira stressed that the inauguration “strengthens trust between institutions and reaffirms an essential principle of the democratic rule of law: a public administration serving the public interest.”

The minister emphasized that the selection of commissioners by the National Parliament “gives the act enhanced legitimacy and a healthy institutional balance,” adding that the occasion celebrates ‘not only individual achievements, but also a collective commitment (…) to a depoliticized, professional, impartial and outcome oriented public service.’

Agio Pereira also stressed that “appointments, promotions and evaluations should be based on merit, competence and integrity, never on political affiliation, personal proximity or momentary convenience,” reminding us that “the CFP is the guardian of this ethical boundary.”

Referring to the growing responsibilities of the State, the Minister highlighted the need to modernize and professionalize public administration, stressing that ‘public administration reform cannot be just a slogan’, but instead ‘a work agenda’ to ensure ‘regulatory simplification, eliminate unnecessary formalities, reduce the number of documents, standardize forms and guide public services towards results’. 

The Minister also recalled that Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN imposes increased responsibilities and requires the public service to align itself with “regional standards of governance, service delivery and administrative interoperability”, advocating technical and linguistic training for State officials and the adoption of modern, digitized administrative practices. 

 “A depoliticized and professional administration is the best guarantee for (…) quality public policies. This is how we protect today’s achievements and prepare for tomorrow’s victories,” he said, concluding with a message of confidence to the new commissioners, wishing them “courage and wisdom”  to serve the State with integrity and dedication, and renewed the Government’s commitment to serve with dignity and efficiency.” 

Agapito da Conceição and Jorge Paiva Araújo expressed their commitment to perform their duties “with the utmost impartiality, dedication and responsibility, always taking into due consideration the interests of the State, the Government Programme and the values of public service” and undertook to “work in defense of the public interest and serve the community and the people with impartiality, honesty, professionalism and correctness, safeguarding the higher interests of the nation”.

The two new commissioners are now beginning a five-year term of full-time service, scheduled to end on November 10th 2030, strengthening the composition of the Public Service Commission, the body responsible for promoting merit, impartiality, and transparency in the management of the State’s human resources. 

The ceremony was attended by the Vice-President of the National Parliament, Duarte Nunes, the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Rigoberto Monteiro, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Rui Pereira, the President of the CFP, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, CFP Commissioners Anita T. R. de Jesus, Fausto Freitas da Silva and José Telo Soares Cristóvão, the Inspector-General of the State, Francisco de Carvalho, the Secretary-General of the National Parliament, Edgar Martins, Father Bonaventura Magno, the Chief of Staff of the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Vítor Maia, and the Director-General of Administration of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Pedro Feno, among other representatives of the CFP and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.  

On November 28th, Timor-Leste will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Proclamation of Independence. In 1975, after more than four centuries of colonial rule, the text of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste was read by the first President of the Republic, Francisco Xavier do Amaral.

The celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence will take place in all municipalities, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) and in Ataúro, with the aim of promoting the values of peace, solidarity and democracy, ensuring a celebration of a national character, participatory and close to the population.

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, through Order No. 023/PM/XI/2025, of November 7th, 2025, appointed the members of the Government responsible for representing the Executive at the official ceremonies of the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, to be held throughout the national territory.

In Dili, the main ceremonies will take place at the Government Palace, attended by the Deputy Prime Ministers, the Ministers of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, State Administration, Defense and the Interior, as well as the Deputy Ministers of Finance, for ASEAN Affairs and State Administration, and the Secretaries of State for Equality, Media, Arts and Culture, Rural Development, Toponymy and Urban Organization, and Civil Protection.

In the remaining municipalities and regions, the Government will be represented by ministers, deputy ministers, and secretaries of state, distributed as follows:

• Aileu – Minister of Health, Deputy Ministers for Institutional Strengthening of Health and for Hospital Operations, and Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment;
• Ainaro – Minister for National Liberation of Combatants Affairs and Secretary of State for Veterans;
•  Ataúro – Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs;
• Baucau – Minister of Education and Secretary of State of General Secondary Education and Vocational Secondary Education;
• Bobonaro – Minister of Justice, Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening and Secretary of State for Land and Property;
• Covalima – Minister of Trade and Industry and Deputy Minister of Trade;
• Dili – Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion;
• Ermera – Minister of Transportation and Communications;
• Lautém – Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Secretary of State for Cooperatives;
• Liquiçá – Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture;
• Manatuto – Ministro do Planeamento e Investimento Estratégico;
• Manufahi – Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture;Oe-Cusse Ambeno – Minister of Public Works, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Secretary of State for Electricity, Water and Sanitation;
• Viqueque – Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry, and Secretaries of State for Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry.
  
  

The order also instructs all designated members, as well as the respective heads of the Public Administration, to actively participate in the preparatory activities and public events associated with the ceremonies, including the opening of fairs and exhibitions, and to collaborate with the Organizing Committee for the Official Ceremonies Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence in mobilizing the population for widespread participation throughout the country. END

Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, launched on Saturday, November 8, the project to rehabilitate the road connecting Seloi-Kraik, in the municipality of Aileu, to Tokoluli, in the administrative post of Gleno, municipality of Ermera, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure throughout the national territory. 

The public ceremony, attended by members of the government, local authorities, and representatives of the population, marked the start of yet another project included in the national program for the rehabilitation and construction of road infrastructure, currently underway in several municipalities across the country. This program aims to improve connectivity between regions, facilitate the transport of goods and people, and boost local economic development.

During his speech, the Head of Government appealed on the population to cooperate with the technical teams on the ground, stressing the importance of preserving equipment and ensuring a favorable environment for the execution of the work.

The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, pointed out that the project was awarded to a national company after an international tender, this being the first time that a Timorese company has beaten foreign competitors, demonstrating the technical and competitive capacity of the national sector.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the National Development Agency (ADN) maintaining its role of supervision and technical monitoring until the completion of the work, ensuring the quality of execution and the proper use of public resources.

The road rehabilitation project has a contractual value of US$14 million and a completion deadline of one and a half years. The contract was signed publicly, in front of the population, as a sign of transparency and to reinforce citizen participation in the management of State investments.

The President of the Municipal Authority of Aileu, João Bosco dos Santos, expressed his gratitude to the IX Constitutional Government, highlighting the results already achieved in just two years of office. “In just two years, the Government has managed to launch this project, which will benefit the communities of Seloi-Kraik and Tokoluli, in addition to the rehabilitation of other roads, such as in Lekidoe. Soon, road conditions will be better for everyone,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Finance, Santina Cardoso, the Minister of Justice, Sérgio Hornai, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, the Vice Minister for Infrastructure, Júlio do Carmo, among other members of the Government and local authorities.

The IX Constitutional Government has been launching multiple road rehabilitation and construction projects in several municipalities, as part of its strategy to develop the essential infrastructure that supports economic growth and territorial cohesion. These investments reflect the IX Constitutional Government’s vision to modernize the national road network, ensure greater mobility, and promote inclusive development.

On the same day, the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, representing the Government, participated in the inauguration of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora dos Cristãos, in Aileu, together with the Archbishop of Dili, Virgílio Cardeal do Carmo da Silva, SDB. The chapel renovation project was financed by the Government, through the Ministry of Public Works, with the cost of US$218.8 thousand.

Prime Minister

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Statement by H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on the passing of Robert Domm

The Government and people of Timor-Leste are deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Domm, whose courage and determination helped to bring the truth of our struggle for self-determination to the world.

In September 1990, when few in the world were aware of the devastation in occupied Timor-Leste, or that our campaign of resistance continued despite terrible losses, Robert Domm made the perilous journey to our country and climbed Mount Bunaria to meet with me and the FALINTIL leadership.

He was the first foreign journalist in fifteen years to have direct contact with the Resistance. His interview with me, broadcast by the ABC’s Background Briefing, broke through the silence that had surrounded Timor-Leste since 1975.

He carried the message to the world that the Timorese struggle for self-determination and resistance against foreign military occupation was very much alive.

Robert Domm visited Timor-Leste in the 1970s, then under Portuguese colonial control, as a merchant sailor on a boat ferrying between Darwin and Dili carrying general cargo and fuel.

He returned in 1989 when Indonesia allowed tourists to visit for the first time since 1975. He came back in 1990, purportedly as a ‘tourist’ but he was on a secret mission to interview me for the Australian Broadcast Commission.

Robert Domm’s journey to meet me required extraordinary courage. His visit was organised by the Timorese resistance with, as he later recalled, ‘military precision’. It involved more than two hundred Timorese who guided him through villages and checkpoints at great risk to himself and to the Timorese who helped him.  He was a humble and gentle Australian who slept beside us on the ground of Mount Bunaria, ate with us beneath the cover of the jungle and walked with our resistance soldiers as a comrade and as a friend.  His concern for the Timorese people touched me deeply.

He risked his life to share our story. His report gave international recognition to the humanity and determination of our people.

Following the broadcast, the Indonesian military carried out large-scale operations in our mountains and many of those who helped him lost their lives in the cause of our freedom.

Robert continued to stand with Timor-Leste after 1990.  He spoke out against the occupation and exposed the complicity of governments that remained silent.  He co-authored, with Mark Aarons, East Timor: A Western Made Tragedy, which deepened international understanding of our suffering and our right to self-determination.

He remained a friend and advocate of Timor-Leste long after independence was restored.

In 2015, twenty-five years after his first journey, Robert returned to Timor-Leste to commemorate our historic meeting. Together we walked up Mount Bunaria, in the Municipality of Ainaro, to commemorate the occasion and remember the lives that were lost during our struggle. The site of our meeting has since been recognised as a place of historic significance.

In recognition of his contribution, Robert Domm was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste in August 2014. This honour reflected the gratitude of our nation for his role in bringing our struggle to the world.  Robert’s contribution is part of our nation’s history.

Robert’s soul now rests in Mount Matebian, alongside his Timorese sisters and brothers.

On behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste, we extend our deepest condolences to Robert Domm’s family, friends and colleagues. His courage, decency and sense of justice will remain forever in our nation’s memory. END

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão visited the research vessel OceanXplorer, docked at the Port of Tibar in Liquiçá municipality, on Saturday, November 8^th. The visit marked the beginning of the international scientific mission “OceanX Timor-Leste 2025: Exploring the Edge – The Timor Passage,” which runs from November 8^th to 22^nd along the northern coast of Timor-Leste and the Ataúro Island region. 

The mission results from a partnership between OceanX— a non-profit organisation based in the United States and supported by Dalio Philanthropies— and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, and Forestry, with collaboration from several international universities and scientific institutions, including King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the University of Florida, the University of Western Australia, Macquarie University, Flinders University, and Ocean Alliance.

During the visit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, along with other members of the Government and the National Parliament. The delegation had the opportunity to learn about the OceanXplorer’s technological capabilities and hear explanations from the scientific team about the mission’s objectives, which combine marine science, technology, education, and communication to increase knowledge of the ocean and promote its sustainable management.

The OceanXplorer is regarded as one of the most advanced oceanographic research vessels globally, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories, submersibles capable of reaching depths of up to 6,000 metres, drones, imaging systems, and artificial intelligence platforms that facilitate species identification and real-time data analysis.

The OceanX Timor-Leste 2025 expedition will investigate the deep waters north of Dili and Atauro Island—one of the most biodiverse and least explored regions of the Coral Triangle—where the Pacific and Indian oceans converge. Researchers will gather data on biodiversity, ocean currents, habitats, and species, enhancing understanding of the country’s marine ecosystems.

The results achieved will establish a robust scientific foundation for the Timorese marine ecosystem and inform future policies on research, conservation, and management of ocean resources. The mission will also enhance cooperation between Timor-Leste and international research institutions, strengthening national scientific capacity and connecting the country to global marine science and exploration networks.

Over the weekend, OceanX opened the doors of the OceanXplorer to Timorese students, researchers, and journalists, offering guided tours that highlighted the educational and scientific potential of the programme.

OceanX’s presence in Timor-Leste marks a significant milestone in the sustainable development and utilisation of the country’s marine resources, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth and protecting the marine environment as key pillars of the blue economy.

 

 

 

The Draft Law Proposal on the 2026 General State Budget (GSB) was approved in general terms by the National Parliament during its plenary session on November 7^th, 2025, with 42 votes in favour, zero against, and 23 abstentions.

Under the slogan “Investing in National Transformation, Regional Integration and Inclusive Development”, the 2026 GSB sets a total consolidated budget of US$2.291 billion. The budget proposal allocates US$2.215 billion to the Central Administration, US$170.4 million to Social Security, and US$60 million to the Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA). 

The document reflects the budgetary strategy of the 9th Constitutional Government to enhance social capital, invest in structural infrastructure, diversify the economy, and strengthen good governance, consistent with the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan and the Government Programme.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised in his speech at the opening of the debate that this budget “is more than a financial plan; it is our pact with the Timorese people and our commitment to the region we are joining, as equals”, highlighting that 2026 will be “the year of transforming the economy, boosting employment, productive investment and social inclusion”.

According to macroeconomic projections presented by the Government, non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to increase by 4.5% in 2025 and 2026, driven by household spending, increased public expenditure, and higher activity in the private sector.

The Government’s budgetary strategy focuses on implementing structural reforms that enhance public financial management and support sustainable economic growth. These include reforms in contract management and public investment, aimed at improving the delivery of complex and multi-purpose projects, as well as increasing access to concessional loans for capital investments, thereby reducing reliance on the Petroleum Fund.

Civil service reforms, including the implementation of mandatory retirement at age 65, aim to introduce greater discipline to the public sector wage bill. Simultaneously, institutional and investment reforms are in progress that will improve the efficiency and transparency of public administration.

The creation of the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste (BDNTL) plays a catalytic role in mobilisation of financing for private sector growth and infrastructure projects. Simultaneously, the Government is prioritising strategic investments along the southern coast, particularly in the oil and mineral resources sectors, with a view to expanding industrial capacity and diversifying sources of economic growth.

Digital governance initiatives are also being promoted, which will enable greater accuracy in verifying beneficiaries, ensure strict control of payroll, and reduce leakage in money transfers through modern information systems between banks and mobile money operators. This digital transformation will further enhance data interoperability among tax, customs, pension, and civil registry systems, strengthening compliance and expanding the State’s revenue base.

Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN marks a significant milestone for the country, enabling it to expand access to the regional market, boost investor confidence, and integrate into the region’s trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 GSB reflects these opportunities, emphasising reforms in land titling, financial inclusion, solvency, and accounting standards, as well as investments in digital connectivity and airport infrastructure upgrades. These measures collectively aim to make Timor-Leste a more attractive investment destination, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

The 2026 General State Budget thus consolidates the foundations for sustained and inclusive economic growth, promoting employment, productive investment, and regional integration, preparing the country for the challenges of the coming decade.

The proposal will now be discussed in detail, with discussions scheduled to begin on November 13^th, and should culminate in a final overall vote by November 26^th, 2025.

 

 

 

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 November 6th, 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and, following the devastating impacts of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused severe flooding, destruction, and tragic loss of life in the central provinces of the Republic of the Philippines, particularly in the province of Cebu, expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of the Philippines.

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines with winds over 180 km/h and heavy rain that led to flash floods and landslides. According to local authorities, the event resulted in more than 140 deaths, dozens of missing persons, and the destruction of vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, power grids, and homes. It is estimated that around two million people have been affected, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Following this disaster, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste had already issued an official statement expressing solidarity and condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of the Philippines. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão sent a letter to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., expressing Timor-Leste’s deep sorrow “at the scale of this tragedy and the hardship facing so many families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods”, reaffirming that the Timorese nation “stands in solidarity with the Filipino people at this time of grief and recovery”. The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, also stressed that “the Philippines is currently facing a tragedy of immense proportions, and the people of Timor-Leste are not indifferent to this suffering”, highlighting Timor-Leste’s readiness to “offer all possible support”.

Following the declaration of a state of national calamity by the President of the Philippines on November 6^th and the subsequent appeal for international solidarity, the Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution authorising, within the constitutional and legal framework, the participation of FALINTIL–Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) in a humanitarian support and civil protection mission in the Republic of the Philippines.

The Government’s decision is grounded in the international commitments undertaken by Timor-Leste under the framework of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), as well as the provisions of the National Defence Law and the Organic Statute of the F-FDTL, which grant legitimacy to the Armed Forces for participating in humanitarian and emergency missions, in collaboration with other countries and international organisations.

The Council of Ministers also decided to urgently commence constitutional and legal procedures for deploying the F-FDTL in the aforementioned mission, including preparing engagement rules, under the responsibility of the Minister of Defence, in accordance with Timor-Leste’s international commitments and the Humanitarian and Emergency Support Strategy, approved in January 2025.

Under the National Defence Law, the deployment and commitment of the F-FDTL in peace support and humanitarian missions shall be determined by the Government and the President of the Republic, following consultation with the National Parliament and the Superior Council of Defence and Security. END

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Dili, November 6^th, 2025

Press Release

Government of Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Philippines Following the Devastating Effects of Typhoon Kalmaegi 

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which resulted in severe flooding, destruction, and tragic loss of life in the central provinces of the country, particularly in Cebu province.

In a letter sent to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão expressed that Timor-Leste is “deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy and the hardship facing so many families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods”.

The Head of the Government also emphasised that the “Timorese nation stands in solidarity with the Filipino people at this time of grief and recovery”, reiterating “the regional friendship and cooperation” that unite the two countries and the “great admiration for the Filipino people”.

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, stated that “the Philippines is currently facing a tragedy of immense proportions, and the people of Timor-Leste are not indifferent to this suffering. Our history and ties of regional cooperation mean that the pain of the Philippines is also ours. We are ready to offer all possible support”.

The Government Spokesperson added that “our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we recognise the tireless efforts of the rescue teams and professionals who continue to provide assistance to the populations affected by this disaster”.

The Government of Timor-Leste reaffirms its dedication to regional solidarity and cooperation among the peoples of Southeast Asia, expressing confidence in the Philippines’ ability to recover and rebuild after this natural disaster. END