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The Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites, represented Timor-Leste at the 19th Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), held June 9^th–10^th, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York, where she presented the country’s policies and progress in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. 

At the conference’s opening session, held on June 9^th, the Vice Minister delivered Timor-Leste’s national statement to the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the country ratified in 2023.

In her remarks, she highlighted the progress achieved through the National Policy for the Inclusion and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030, and the National Social Protection Strategy. She also mentioned the introduction in 2026 of the Budget Allocation for Disability Inclusion, aimed at integrating the disability perspective into the planning and allocation of public resources.

On June 10^th, the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, together with the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, organised a side event on the theme “The Government of Timor-Leste’s Policy on Social Inclusion.”

Vice Minister Céu Brites delivered the keynote address, and Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares, moderated the session. Representatives of States Parties to the Convention, academics, civil society organisations, and development partners attended the event.

During the event, national policies, and strategic tools guiding government action in areas such as social protection, education, inclusive rehabilitation services, accessibility, and disability-sensitive budget planning were presented. Experiences were also shared regarding the implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030 and the preparation of Timor-Leste’s initial report to the Convention Committee.

The event was supported by Portugal’s Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion, Clara Marques Mendes, and Australia’s Assistant Secretary for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion, Sally-Anne Henry, who shared their perspectives on advancing the rights of people with disabilities and on cooperation with Timor-Leste in this area.

A video was also shown about the Self-Sustaining Businesses program, an initiative of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion that supports people with disabilities in starting their own businesses.

On the sidelines of the conference, Vice Minister Céu Brites also attended a reception hosted by Austria on June 9^th, accompanied by Licínio M. Branco, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations. During the meeting, best practices for promoting the human rights of persons with disabilities were shared, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation with international partners in this area were discussed.

The national delegation also included the National Director for Persons with Disabilities, staff from the Secretariat of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities, members of the Vice Minister’s Office, and representatives of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion’s communications team.

Timor-Leste’s participation in COSP19 provided an opportunity to present the results achieved in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to strengthen international cooperation for the inclusion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

On June 22^nd, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro, at the National Palace of Belém in Lisbon. During the visit, they discussed developments in the international situation and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal. 

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, to the Portuguese President. António José Seguro, in turn, recalled the Timorese Head of State’s participation in his inauguration, held in March of this year.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on developments in the international political landscape and on issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister congratulated Portugal on its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and expressed his hope that the country would continue to promote the values of peace, stability, and sustainable development internationally.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also addressed the challenges facing the United Nations, particularly regarding the functioning of the Security Council, arguing for reforms that would enable it to better adapt to current international realities.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation in areas including justice, education, and development. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for Portugal’s continued support in these sectors and presented Timor-Leste’s National Strategy for the Blue Economy, which outlines opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The situation in Guinea-Bissau was also discussed, and the two leaders exchanged views on measures to promote political stability and strengthen the country’s institutions.

On the Portuguese side, President António José Seguro reiterated Portugal’s commitment to continuing to support Timor-Leste in its priority development areas. The Portuguese Head of State also recalled his involvement in international solidarity initiatives in support of the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination in the 1990s.

At the end of the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal.

Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; Minister of Justice Sérgio da Costa Hornai; Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Portugal, Manuel de Araújo Serrano; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the CPLP, Natália Carrascalão; and the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Elizabeth Exposto, accompanied the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Portugal also includes meetings with officials from the justice and higher education sectors, as well as initiatives related to Timor-Leste’s rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), a role the country currently holds.

On June 22^nd, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro, at the National Palace of Belém in Lisbon. During the visit, they discussed developments in the international situation and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal. 

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, to the Portuguese President. António José Seguro, in turn, recalled the Timorese Head of State’s participation in his inauguration, held in March of this year.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on developments in the international political landscape and on issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister congratulated Portugal on its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and expressed his hope that the country would continue to promote the values of peace, stability, and sustainable development internationally.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also addressed the challenges facing the United Nations, particularly regarding the functioning of the Security Council, arguing for reforms that would enable it to better adapt to current international realities.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation in areas including justice, education, and development. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for Portugal’s continued support in these sectors and presented Timor-Leste’s National Strategy for the Blue Economy, which outlines opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The situation in Guinea-Bissau was also discussed, and the two leaders exchanged views on measures to promote political stability and strengthen the country’s institutions.

On the Portuguese side, President António José Seguro reiterated Portugal’s commitment to continuing to support Timor-Leste in its priority development areas. The Portuguese Head of State also recalled his involvement in international solidarity initiatives in support of the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination in the 1990s.

At the end of the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal.

Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; Minister of Justice Sérgio da Costa Hornai; Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Portugal, Manuel de Araújo Serrano; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the CPLP, Natália Carrascalão; and the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Elizabeth Exposto, accompanied the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Portugal also includes meetings with officials from the justice and higher education sectors, as well as initiatives related to Timor-Leste’s rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), a role the country currently holds.

On June 20^th, the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, met in Penang with Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the media sector. The meeting was also attended by the President of the TATOLI News Agency, Noémio Mateus Soares Falcão, and representatives of the Malaysian news agency BERNAMA. 

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on ways to strengthen relations between Timor-Leste and Malaysia in the media sector, with the aim of promoting the development of professional, credible, and responsible journalism and strengthening institutional capacities.

Among the main topics discussed were the use and regulation of artificial intelligence, strategies to combat fake news and misinformation, and the importance of ongoing training for Timorese journalists, with a view to improving journalism and adapting to technological change.

During the meeting, the Secretary of State for Media also expressed concern about the need for greater presence and involvement of major digital platforms—such as Google, YouTube, and Facebook—in Timor-Leste to contribute to the development of the national media ecosystem.

Malaysia’s Minister of Communications emphasised that cooperation between the two countries in this area will be strengthened through the implementation of the cooperation agreement already signed by the news agencies BERNAMA and TATOLI.

“This agreement will provide an important foundation for promoting the sharing of experiences, human resource development, the exchange of information, and the strengthening of the professional capabilities of the two countries’ government media institutions, enabling them to address the challenges of communication in the digital age,” said Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

As part of their visit to Malaysia, the Secretary of State for Media, and the delegation from the TATOLI News Agency also attended the welcome dinner for the Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations, on June 19^th, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Penang.

The event, hosted by the Governor of the State of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, in recognition of the media’s role in national development, brought together media representatives, journalists, government officials, and guests from various countries in Southeast Asia.

On June 22^nd, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro, at the National Palace of Belém in Lisbon. During the visit, they discussed developments in the international situation and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal. 

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, to the Portuguese President. António José Seguro, in turn, recalled the Timorese Head of State’s participation in his inauguration, held in March of this year.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on developments in the international political landscape and on issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister congratulated Portugal on its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and expressed his hope that the country would continue to promote the values of peace, stability, and sustainable development internationally.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also addressed the challenges facing the United Nations, particularly regarding the functioning of the Security Council, arguing for reforms that would enable it to better adapt to current international realities.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation in areas including justice, education, and development. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for Portugal’s continued support in these sectors and presented Timor-Leste’s National Strategy for the Blue Economy, which outlines opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The situation in Guinea-Bissau was also discussed, and the two leaders exchanged views on measures to promote political stability and strengthen the country’s institutions.

On the Portuguese side, President António José Seguro reiterated Portugal’s commitment to continuing to support Timor-Leste in its priority development areas. The Portuguese Head of State also recalled his involvement in international solidarity initiatives in support of the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination in the 1990s.

At the end of the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal.

Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; Minister of Justice Sérgio da Costa Hornai; Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Portugal, Manuel de Araújo Serrano; the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the CPLP, Natália Carrascalão; and the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Elizabeth Exposto, accompanied the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Portugal also includes meetings with officials from the justice and higher education sectors, as well as initiatives related to Timor-Leste’s rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), a role the country currently holds.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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

Government Decree

Luto Nacional em Homenagem a Sua Excelência Dr. Francisco Guterres, Presidente da República Democrática de Timor-Leste 2017-2022

Francisco Guterres, mais conhecido por “Lú Olo”, nasceu no dia 7 de setembro de 1954, em Ossú, Município de Viqueque e faleceu no dia 21 de junho de 2026, na Malásia.

O seu percurso político está profundamente ligado à luta pela independência de Timor-Leste. Ainda durante a administração portuguesa do território, integrou movimentos nacionalistas.

Após a proclamação unilateral da independência, em 28 de novembro de 1975, e a subsequente invasão indonésia, Lú Olo integrou a resistência nacional. Durante os anos de ocupação, desempenhou diversas funções de liderança política no movimento de resistência pela libertação nacional, tornando-se uma das figuras influentes da luta pela libertação nacional.

Após a realização do referendo a 30 de agosto de 1999, foi eleito deputado à Assembleia Constituinte e seu Presidente, e posteriormente tornou-se o primeiro Presidente do Parlamento Nacional, cargo que exerceu entre 2002 e 2007.

No ano de 2017 foi eleito Presidente da República de Timor-Leste, tendo assumindo funções a 20 de maio desse ano até 2022.

Assim,

O Governo decreta, ao abrigo dos n.os 1 e 2 do artigo 41.o da Lei

n.o 4/2024, de 3 de julho, o seguinte:

Artigo 1.º

É decretado Luto Nacional em todo o território nacional, em sinal de pesar pela morte do Dr. Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, ex-Presidente da República Democrática de Timor-Leste.

Artigo 2.º

O período de Luto Nacional tem início às 15.00 horas do dia 22 de junho e termina às 24.00 horas do dia 28 de junho.

Artigo 3.º

1. Durante o período de Luto Nacional referido no artigo anterior, a Bandeira Nacional deve ser mantida a meio-mastro ou meia-adriça, nos termos do artigo 13.o da Lei n.o 2/2007, de 18 de janeiro.

2. A situação prevista no número anterior deve ser cumprida em todos os edifícios públicos, incluindo embaixadas, consulados e outras representações do Estado no estran-geiro, bem como nas embarcações do Estado.

Artigo 4.º

O presente diploma entra em vigor com a sua publicação.

Aprovado em Conselho de Ministros em 22 de junho de 2026.

O Primeiro-Ministro, em exercício

Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes

 

From June 15^th to 20^th, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão paid an official visit to the Russian Federation, during which he attended the summit in Kazan marking the 35th anniversary of relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Russian Federation. The visit included meetings between ASEAN leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as bilateral meetings and visits to academic, cultural, and historical institutions. 

Timor-Leste’s participation in the summit was particularly significant, as it marked the country’s first attendance at a commemorative summit with one of ASEAN’s dialogue partners as a full member of ASEAN. The summit brought together the leaders of ASEAN member states, the President of the Russian Federation, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to address issues related to regional and international security, trade and investment, energy, education, science and technology, health, connectivity, and cultural cooperation.

During the summit, the leaders adopted the 2026 Kazan Declaration “ASEAN–Russian Federation: Unity in Diversity—35 Years Together,” two joint declarations on cooperation in energy and culture, and the 2026–2030 Action Plan for implementing the ASEAN–Russian Federation Strategic Partnership. These documents set out guidelines for deepening cooperation between the two sides over the next five years.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across the political, economic, trade, educational, and humanitarian fields.

During the meeting, Vladimir Putin congratulated Timor-Leste on its full accession to ASEAN and stated that Russia considers Timor-Leste a promising partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our two countries have been engaged in a constructive political dialogue, and we will do everything we can to further this process,” said the Russian president.

Vladimir Putin also expressed interest in deepening cooperation in the energy, mining, and tourism sectors, expanding trade, and strengthening humanitarian cooperation, including in science, education, and human resources development.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão thanked the Russian authorities for their hospitality and stated: “We value partnerships of cooperation that can help support our country and our region. This includes foreign investment from Russia, which will be very welcome in our country. We face a shortage of jobs and human resources, and it was very important for us to learn at this conference that Russia is willing to help.”

The Head of Government also expressed Timor-Leste’s intention to establish a diplomatic mission in Moscow in the future and expressed interest in hosting a Russian Federation embassy in Dili. The two countries also began preliminary discussions on various bilateral agreements to deepen relations.

During his stay in Kazan, the Prime Minister also met Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan; attended official events organised by Russian authorities; and visited the Kazan Universal Exhibition Centre, Kazan Federal University, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation, all within the historic Kazan Kremlin complex.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Vice Prime Minister, the Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and the Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas; and the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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

Press Release

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 22nd, 2026

The Council of Ministers held an extraordinary session in the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium at the Ministry of Finance in Dili, approved a vote of condolence, and decided to declare a national mourning period following the death of Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo”, former President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, President of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), and one of the influential figures in the struggle for national liberation. National mourning will be observed throughout the country for seven days, from 3:00 p.m. on June 22^nd to 00:00 a.m. on June 28^th, with the national flag flown at half-mast at all public buildings, including embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions abroad, as well as on government vessels.

Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo” passed away at the age of 71 at Prince Court Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he was receiving intensive medical treatment. Born in Ossú, in the municipality of Viqueque, on September 7, 1954, he dedicated much of his life to the struggle for national liberation, holding various leadership roles in the resistance during the Indonesian occupation. Following the death of Konis Santana in 1998, he assumed political leadership of the Timorese resistance.

In 2001, he was elected President of the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting the Constitution of the Republic. He served as President of the National Parliament from 2002 to 2007 and was elected President of the Republic in 2017, a position he held until 2022.

Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo” was awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in 2009, the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in 2022, and the Grand Collar of the Order of Infante D. Henrique, awarded by the Portuguese Republic in the same year, in recognition of his contribution to Timor-Leste and of the strengthening of relations between the two countries.

With this decision, the Government pays tribute to a prominent figure in the national liberation struggle and extends its deepest condolences to his wife, children, and other family members, to FRETILIN, and to the entire Timorese people, recognising the legacy of dedication and service that Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo” left in building a free, democratic, and sovereign Timor-Leste. END