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The 9th Constitutional Government announces that the memorial service for the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, will be held today, April 24^th, 2026, in the municipality of Liquiçá, bringing together family members, government officials, dignitaries, colleagues, and citizens to pay their respects and bid him a final farewell.

The ceremonies will begin at 3:00 p.m., with the procession departing from the family home in Ekali, Maubara, and proceeding to St. John de Britto Church in Liquiçá, where a solemn Mass will be held at 3:30 p.m. The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the family home in Ekali, followed at 6:00 p.m. by a dinner in solidarity with the bereaved family at the same location. 

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in a message in Portuguese, stated: “It was with great surprise and in solidarity with the immense sorrow of the bereaved family that we pray to God to welcome Dr. José Honório da C. P. Jerónimo into His kingdom! A warm embrace, Minister! May perpetual light shine upon them!”

Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino said: “I deeply mourn the loss of a visionary leader. It is not only the Government and the Democratic Party that have lost him, but the entire people of Timor-Leste, who have lost a wise man.”

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Spokesperson for the Government, expressed his “deep sorrow at the loss of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, who leaves a significant legacy in the development of higher education in Timor-Leste and in the strengthening of national academic institutions, having dedicated his life to public service, education, and national development.” He added that “the Government extends its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all Timorese people at this time of mourning.”

In the vote of condolence approved by the Council of Ministers through Government Resolution No. 27/2026 of April 22^nd, the Government “expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, a Timorese citizen of recognised merit, whose public service was distinguished by his commitment to the development of the higher education system, the promotion of knowledge, and the development of national human capital, both as a current member of the Government and, previously, at the National University of Timor Lorosae.” 

The resolution also states that “his strategic vision and personal dedication helped to enhance the quality of higher education institutions, foster international academic cooperation, and promote advanced training opportunities for the people of Timor-Leste” and that “his death is an irreparable loss for the government, the academic and scientific community, and the entire Timorese people.”

José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo was born in Bazartete, in the municipality of Liquiçá, on February 15^th, 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in development studies from the Mandala Institute of Technology and Sciences in Indonesia in 2001. He completed his master’s degree in the same field in 2010 at Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in Salatiga, Indonesia.

He has held academic positions at the National University of Timor-Leste since 2001, serving in various leadership roles, including Department Chair, Dean, Associate Dean, and Vice Rector. He was a member of the institution’s General Council and served as Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta from 2013 to 2015. 

Since 1994, he has been a member of the student organisation, the National Student Resistance of Timor-Leste (RENETIL), as part of the struggle for national liberation.

He was sworn in as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture on July 1^st, 2023, as part of the 9th Constitutional Government.

The Government joins in paying tribute and once again extends its condolences to the bereaved family.

Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, was elected First Vice-Chair of the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and chaired the General Debate on Agenda Item 2 on April 20^th, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The election took place during the opening session and reflects recognition of Timor-Leste’s participation in regional and multilateral cooperation across Asia and the Pacific. Fulfilling these duties strengthens the country’s presence within the United Nations system, in line with its priorities as a member of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) groups.

While chairing the General Debate on the theme “Opportunities and Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” the Minister moderated presentations from ministers, senior officials, and development partners on inclusive development, economic resilience, and regional cooperation. The discussions covered economic transformation, social inclusion, climate resilience, and the need for coordinated responses to current global uncertainties.

In his national statement, delivered under Agenda Item 4, which focuses on Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States, the Minister highlighted the international context, marked by simultaneous challenges, including economic instability, food insecurity, debt pressures, and the impacts of climate change, with the most severe effects felt in the most vulnerable countries.

The head of national diplomacy reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to the Doha Action Agenda as a guiding framework for strengthening resilience, productive capacity, and sustainable transition pathways. He identified the structural transformation of the economy, the strengthening of institutional capacity, and the development of partnerships aligned with national priorities as key priorities.

As Chair of the Least Developed Countries Group on Climate Change for the 2026–2027 term, Bendito Freitas emphasised the need to strengthen collective action on climate justice, adaptation financing, and mechanisms to address loss and damage, and highlighted the role of climate diplomacy in Timor-Leste’s foreign policy.

During the high-level debate on the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Promoting an Age-Friendly Society in Asia and the Pacific,” the minister participated as a speaker, discussing Timor-Leste’s development trajectory, marked by structural challenges and opportunities arising from its young population, strategic location, and regional integration. He cited investment in human capital, institutional strengthening, economic diversification, and international cooperation as priorities.

On the sidelines of the session, Minister Bendito Freitas met with the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation in areas such as economic transformation, social inclusion, climate resilience, and support for evidence-based public policy formulation. It was agreed that technical contacts would be established to follow up on the identified areas of cooperation.

The Minister was accompanied by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the Kingdom of Thailand and the Permanent Representative to ESCAP, Francisco Tilman Cepeda, as well as by the national delegation. The g7+ also participated in the session, represented by its Secretary-General, Helder da Costa.

Timor-Leste’s participation in the 82nd Session of ESCAP continues until April 24^th at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

Following the ESCAP meeting, the Minister will participate in the 25th ASEAN–European Union Ministerial Meeting on April 27^th and 28^th, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, as part of the strategic partnership between the two regions. From May 3^rd to 5^th, he will accompany Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on an official visit to Brunei Darussalam, and from May 7^th to 9^th, he will be part of the national delegation at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines.

Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel led Timor-Leste’s delegation to the 22nd ASEAN–Russia Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARSOM), held in Kazan, Russia, on April 20^th and 21^st, 2026. The meeting, held in the context of the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations, marked the country’s first participation in this mechanism following its full accession to the regional organisation. 

The meeting was co-chaired by Hau Khan Sum, Myanmar’s Representative to the Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM Leader), and Andrey Rudenko, Russia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Representatives of ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and their respective delegations attended this meeting.

The participants reviewed cooperation under the ASEAN–Russia Comprehensive Action Plan 2021–2025, which is in its final stages of implementation, and discussed the preparation of a new cooperation framework for 2026–2030.

During the meeting, priority areas of the strategic partnership were discussed, including political and security cooperation, trade and investment, energy, food security, cybersecurity, and the fight against transnational crime, as well as cultural, academic, and youth exchanges.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to prepare for the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit, scheduled for June in Kazan, which is expected to set the strategic direction of the partnership for the coming years.

 

 

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that the funeral services for the late José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo will be held on April 24th, 2026, in the municipality of Liquiçá, according to the following schedule:

3:00 PM – Departure from the residence in Ekali (Maubara) to St. John de Britto Church in Liquiçá

3:30 PM – Solemn Mass at St. John de Britto Church in Liquiçá

5:00 PM – Funeral service at the family home in Ekali (Maubara)

6:00 PM – Solidarity dinner with the bereaved family at the family home in Ekali (Maubara)

We invite all family members, friends, colleagues, and the public to join us in this moment of tribute and farewell.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 22nd, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal, presented by Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, for the first amendment to Law No. 13/2011 of September 28^th, on the Public Debt Regime.

The proposal expands the scope of public debt issuance, removing the restriction that previously limited it exclusively to financing strategic infrastructure. This enables the use of instruments such as Treasury securities to finance general government expenditure. This amendment aims to align the national public debt regime with practices adopted under general terms in most countries and to establish conditions for more sustainable management of public finances in the medium and long term.

Through this initiative, the Government aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability, prepare the country for the gradual decline in revenues from the Petroleum Fund, and ensure greater stability in funding for essential public policies.

This draft Law Proposal had already been discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on January 27^th, 2026. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting stage—specifically to clarify the rules governing the issuance and management of Treasury securities and bills—it became necessary to review and deliberate on it once again.

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The Council of Ministers approved a draft Government Resolution, which expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo. The Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and publicly acknowledges the deceased’s significant contribution to public service and to the development of higher education in Timor-Leste. The Resolution also calls for a minute of silence to be observed in all public and higher education institutions on a date to be determined.

As a Timorese citizen of recognised merit, his public service has been distinguished by his commitment to developing the higher education system, promoting knowledge, and enhancing the nation’s human capital, both as a member of government and previously at the National University of Timor Lorosae.

In the course of his governmental duties, he conducted himself with a high degree of dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to public service, thereby contributing to the consolidation of public policies in higher education, science, and innovation.

His strategic vision and dedication have helped improve the quality of higher education institutions, promote international academic cooperation, and expand opportunities for advanced education for the people of Timor-Leste.

His passing is a loss to the Government, the academic and scientific communities, and the people of Timor-Leste.

 *****

The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, submitted by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, on the dismissal of the heads of the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese) appointed by Government Resolution No. 37/2025 of August 27^th, and on the appointment of the President, Secretaries, and Regional Directors of the RAEOA.

This Resolution dismisses the current Regional Director-General and Regional Directors and appoints Régio da Cruz as President of the RAEOA. The following individuals were also appointed Regional Secretaries: Salvador da Cruz for Administration and Finance; Francisco Loca for Planning and Development; and Merita Marques Lafo for Social Affairs and Community Organisations.

Domingos Punef, Adelaide Rosália Faria Correia, Amâncio Aguido Punef, Augusto Jorge de Fátima Efi, Mário Coel, Anita da Costa Ruing, Vicêncio Cono, Odete Amado Martins, André Lao, Remígio Nuno Sila, Yoseph Ili, José Oki, Anastásia Eni, Fátima Olga Hei Amaral, Tomás José Tanessib Anuno, Júlio Coel, Domingos de Almeida, Orlando Quelo, José Ase Neno Colo, Cândido dos Reis Amaral, and Jaime Taeque were also appointed Regional Service Directors.

Holders of these positions are subject to an annual performance evaluation, and an unsatisfactory rating constitutes grounds for dismissal.

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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, which aims to establish the fees payable for acts and services provided by the public administration relating to motor vehicles and their drivers.

The Decree-Law defines and clarifies the fee structure for acts and services provided by the public administration in the road sector, ensuring that the services correspond to their respective costs. This includes, among other things, procedures related to vehicle registration, licensing, and inspection, the issuance of certificates and permits, and driving-related exams and documents.

The Decree-Law also sets out the rules for collecting fees, identifies the taxpayers, and provides for collection by third parties, in accordance with the terms defined by law. The previous regime is repealed, and this Decree-Law is scheduled to take effect 30 days after its publication.

This draft Decree-Law had already been discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on January 21st, 2026. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting stage – specifically the revision of the rates to be charged – it became necessary for the Council of Ministers to review and approve it again. END

9.00 am, Government Palace

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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April 21^st, 2026

Press Release

Government expresses deepest condolences on the passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture

The Government of Timor-Leste was deeply saddened to learn today, April 21^st, 2026, of the unexpected passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.

José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo was born in Bazartete, in the municipality of Liquiçá, on February 15^th, 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies in 2001 from the Mandala Institute of Technology and Sciences in Indonesia and completed his master’s degree in the same field in 2010 at Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in Salatiga, Indonesia.

He has held academic positions at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) since 2001, serving in various leadership roles across university administration, including Department Chair, Dean, Associate Dean, and Vice Rector. He was also a member of the UNTL General Council and served as Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta from 2013 to 2015.

Since 1994, he has been a member of the student organisation “National Resistance of East Timorese Students” (RENETIL – acronym in Portuguese) as part of the struggle for national liberation.

On July 1^st, 2023, he was sworn in as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture in the 9th Constitutional Government, taking responsibility for the formulation and implementation of public policies in the areas of higher education, science, and technology, as well as for coordinating the institutions in the sector under his supervision.

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, expressed his “deep sorrow at the loss of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, who leaves a significant legacy in the development of higher education in Timor-Leste and in the strengthening of national academic institutions, having dedicated his life to public service, education, and national development”. He added that “the Government extends its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all Timorese at this time of mourning”. END

 

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