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The Vice Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and Minister Coordinator for the Economy,  Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, participated in the opening of the seminar Doing Business with Malaysia, which takes  place in Dili from November 18^th  to 20^th , as part of the Export Acceleration Mission to Timor-Leste promoted by the Embassy of Malaysia and the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation(MATRADE). The mission, which runs until November 21^st, brings together 19 Malaysian companies from various sectors with the aim of identifying trade and investment opportunities between Timor-Leste and Malaysia, in a context marked by Timor-Leste’s recent full integration into ASEAN. 

In his speech, the Vice Prime Minister highlighted the significance of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, formalized on October 26^th, 2025, emphasizing that this historic milestone opens new opportunities in regional trade, investment and economic integration.  He also referred to the role played by Malaysia during its presidency of the organization, acknowledging the commitment shown to bringing this process to fruition. 

The seminar presented companies from both countries with a range of opportunities for involvement in various sectors, such as oil and gas, food and beverages, information and communication technologies, construction, professional services, education, technical training and biotechnology. The program included a product presentation session; individual business meetings and an exhibition designed to facilitate contacts and identify areas of common interest. 

Francisco Kalbuadi Lay pointed out that, as a full member of ASEAN, Timor-Leste now benefits from broader markets, harmonized standards and better logistical conditions, emphasizing the relevance of these advantages in its economic relationship with Malaysia. He also mentioned the growing interest of foreign investors in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy and ecotourism. 

The Vice Prime Minister stated that the Government is available to support companies interested in exploring opportunities in the country, through direct contact with his office or with TradeInvest, to facilitate processes and ensure adequate conditions for the development of business initiatives.

The seminar also featured a speech by the Ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste, Amarjit Sarjit Singh, who highlighted the increasingly favorable business environment, referring to recent measures such as direct flights between Dili and Kuala Lumpur and the visa exemption scheme for Malaysian citizens. Priority areas were also identified, including energy, digitalization, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, technical education and logistics. 

The organization emphasized that the participation of the 19 Malaysian companies aims to initiate a deeper phase of economic relations between the two countries, with the goal of identifying concrete projects and strengthening bilateral trade. The presence of representatives from the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry and around 50 national companies contributed to broadening the dialogue between the private sectors of Timor-Leste and Malaysia. END 

The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, participated in the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) held in Manila, Philippines, on November 14^th to 15^th , 2025. The opening ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and attended by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn.

This was Timor-Leste’s first participation in ALAWMM as a full Member State, following the country’s official admission to ASEAN, formalized at the 47th Summit held in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.  

During the meeting, the Ministers of Justice of the 11 Member States signed the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET), which establishes a unified legal framework for extradition procedures in the region, to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating cross-border crime. 

 Minister Sérgio Hornai also participated in the first ASEAN + Japan meeting on justice on November 15^th, 2025, dedicated to monitoring the ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Law and Justice and strengthening technical and institutional cooperation.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Edwin Tong, focusing on deepening legal cooperation and exchanging experiences between the two countries.

ALAWMM, established in 1986, is ASEAN’s main forum for legal cooperation, meeting every two years to review progress, coordinate joint initiatives, and strengthen the role of legal institutions in the region.

The Government of Timor-Leste, represented by Vice – Prime Minister and Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino and Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion Verónica das Dores, participated in the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4th to 6th 2025, which marked the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit.  The delegation was supported by the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, Ambassador Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares, and the World Food Programme (WFP). 

Organized by the United Nations, the Summit brought together representatives from more than 150 countries to renew the global commitment to poverty eradication, decent work and social inclusion, in a context marked by persistent inequalities and emerging global challenges.

In his speech to the plenary session, the Vice – Prime Minister emphasized the central role of people in national development and stated that social protection systems should be seen as an investment in peace, human dignity and sustainable development. He also highlighted the role of Timor-Leste as Chair of the Global Taskforce on Social Protection and Nutrition, a platform that brings together vulnerable countries with the aim of transforming political commitments into concrete actions to support the most disadvantaged populations.

Timor-Leste also presented the progress made in addressing malnutrition, recognized as a national priority, through initiatives such as the Conditional Mother’s Grant programme, which links cash transfers to nutritional monitoring and women’s empowerment, with the support of international partners.

The Vice – Prime Minister also highlighted three lessons learned from the Timorese experience: first, the social protection should be seen as an investment rather than a cost; secondly, the international cooperation is essential to promote innovation and sustainable financing; and finally, it is essential to bring global financial mechanisms closer to local realities, ensuring that all children have access to food and protection.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Timor-Leste co-organized, together with Iraq, the WFP, the ILO, UNICEF, IDS – University of Sussex and the European Union, the high-level side event “From Reform to Impact: Governments Paving a New Era of Universal Social Protection for Food and Nutrition Security”, which brought together representatives from Timor-Leste, Iraq, Brazil and Somalia. The session was opened by Vice – Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino.

During the panel, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion presented the national experience in implementing the Conditional Mother’s Grant for Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition programme (Bolsa da Mãe Kondisional ba Saúde Nutrisaun Inan no Oan – BdMK-SANUTRIO), highlighting its contribution to the prevention of stunting and the improvement of maternal and child health.

In the question-and-answer session, the Minister was asked how to ensure that vulnerable populations are effectively included in social programs. In response, she stated that “leadership has a responsibility to be close to families to identify and understand the challenges they face, through home visits and direct monitoring, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The event reinforced the commitment of participating countries to promote inclusive, evidence-based policies and to deepen regional and South–South cooperation for sustainable social protection systems.

Timor-Leste’s participation in the Summit and parallel debate demonstrated the country’s commitment to consolidating universal, resilient and people-centered social protection systems, reinforcing Timor-Leste’s role as an active voice in advocating for nutrition, food security and social protection.

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