Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

The Supreme Court of Victoria (Court) on Friday handed down judgment in favour of the Government of Timor-Leste’s application to dismiss a proceeding commenced in 2018 by Lighthouse Corporation (Lighthouse) against Timor-Leste and its electricity public entity, EDTL.

The dispute relates to events that took place in Timor-Leste in 2010 and 2011 in respect of an alleged contract for the supply of fuel and generators in Timor-Leste. The Government of Timor-Leste has always maintained that no binding contract was entered into.

Lighthouse claimed damages against the Government of Timor-Leste of approximately AU$500 to AU$600 million. The Government’s position was that Lighthouse’s claims were worthless and valued at zero. The Government says that Lighthouse attempted to perpetrate a major fraud against Timor-Leste but ultimately failed.

The Court dismissed the proceeding due to Lighthouse’s failure to pay AU$1.3 million in security for costs in accordance with the Court’s previous order. That security was ordered to be paid by 21 August 2026 and Lighthouse failed to do so.

In dismissing the proceeding, the Court refused Lighthouse’s request for an extension of time to make the payment by 18 September 2026. The Court also considered Lighthouse’s history of non-compliance with court orders, the Court’s warnings to Lighthouse and the multiple indulgences the Court had afforded Lighthouse on previous occasions of non-compliance.

The public judgment of the Honourable Justice Delany included the following:

“In short, the evidence that funds are ‘expected’ to be available from an unknown overseas source by 18 September 2026 is entirely unsatisfactory. Contrary to the Lighthouse submissions, the evidence does not support a finding that there is a reasonable likelihood that Lighthouse will or even might be able to provide security for costs in the sum of [AU]$1.3 million by 18 September 2026.”

“Lighthouse has prosecuted its claim in stops and starts for more than a decade. The proceeding has been stayed on multiple occasions, and the Court has afforded Lighthouse multiple indulgences in respect of its failures to comply with Court orders.”

“This is not the first occasion on which Lighthouse has failed to comply with orders… The failure to comply with the [order] is history repeating itself.

…

As I said in [another case], orders of the Court are not guidelines.”

“For the reasons discussed, the application by Lighthouse for an extension of time for the provision of security for costs is refused. The proceeding is dismissed.”

The Government of Timor-Leste has consistently maintained that the claim made by Lighthouse against Timor-Leste, which Lighthouse first brought before the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID) 12 years ago, has always been without merit.

In December 2017 the Tribunal determined that ICSID had no jurisdiction to hear the case and ordered Lighthouse to pay the Government US$1.3 million for its costs. Lighthouse then proceeded with the litigation it had earlier commenced before the Supreme Court of Victoria, which has now been dismissed.

The Government of Timor-Leste welcomes the decision by the Court, and is pleased that litigation is now at an end.

The Court’s decision also means that the five-week trial that was due to commence on 19 October 2026 has been vacated and there will be no trial.

The Government of Timor-Leste extends its thanks to its legal team for their tireless work and ongoing support throughout the ICSID arbitration and the Court proceedings.

Like many young nations, Timor-Leste is often targeted by people and businesses seeking to take advantage of us and our systems. The Government remains vigilant against these threats.

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, said “the Government of Timor-Leste will never waver when it comes to protecting Timor-Leste’s national interest”. END

Minister of Health receives the Public Health Achievement Award for the elimination of trachoma in Timor-Leste

Government Guarantees Passport Renewals for the Timorese Community in Israel

The Government, through the Ministry of Justice and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, has for the first time ensured the direct provision of passport renewal services to the Timorese community residing and working in Israel, thereby preventing affected citizens from having to travel to other countries to renew their travel documents.

The initiative aims to address the difficulties the Timorese community in Israel faces in accessing official documentation services, given that Timor-Leste does not have a resident diplomatic mission in that country.

The process was led by the Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of Minister Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and with support from the Ministry of Justice’s Attaché stationed in the United Kingdom. The initiative also benefited from collaboration with the Registry and Notary Services, consular services, and the diplomatic missions of Timor-Leste in London and Abu Dhabi.

The team’s deployment enabled the necessary passport renewal procedures to be carried out locally, facilitating citizens’ access to public services and reducing the burdens and difficulties associated with travelling to another country to process their documentation.

The Timorese community in Israel thanked the 9th Constitutional Government for responding to the situation. It highlighted the initiative’s impact on the continuity of their professional activities and on support for their families in Timor-Leste.

“This support is very important to us because it allows us to continue working in Israel and, in turn, to continue supporting our families in Timor-Leste,” said a member of the community.

The citizens involved also expressed their appreciation that the service was made available directly in Israel for the first time. “We are very grateful for the effort and support the Government has provided to us by carrying out passport renewals in Israel for the first time,” they noted.

The Minister of Justice reaffirmed that providing these services is part of the State’s responsibility to ensure that Timorese citizens have access to public documentation services, both nationally and abroad.

This action addressed a concrete need for the Timorese community in Israel and ensured local access to renewing their travel documents.

Government and Asian Development Bank discuss cooperation priorities

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, received, today, September 8^th, 2026, at the Government Palace, the new Representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Timor-Leste, Artur Andrysiak, for a courtesy meeting focused on national development priorities and areas of cooperation between the Government and the ADB.

During the meeting, Minister Agio Pereira highlighted economic diversification as a priority of the 9th Constitutional Government and addressed the challenges of Timor-Leste’s full integration into ASEAN and the country’s preparations to assume the Chairmanship of the regional organisation in 2029.

In this context, discussions addressed the need to ensure the timely completion of works at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and to strengthen the conditions required to host the scheduled meetings and delegations during the ASEAN Chairmanship. Other development priorities were also examined, including connectivity and infrastructure, the development of the South Coast and Greater Sunrise, and education and vocational training.

Artur Andrysiak reiterated the ADB’s readiness to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s priorities through technical and financial assistance, particularly in infrastructure and transport, economic diversification, education, health, and preparations for the ASEAN Chairmanship.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review ongoing ADB-supported projects across various areas, namely economic recovery, climate resilience, infrastructure and basic services, connectivity, and economic diversification.

At the end of the meeting, both parties expressed their intention to maintain close coordination to identify priority areas for cooperation between the Government and the Asian Development Bank.

Vice-Prime Minister accompanies the President of the Republic on a visit to Singapore and takes part in the Horasis Visionary Circle 2026

Timor-Leste Promotes Culture, Trade, and International Cooperation at the World Island Cities Conference and the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo

The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, and the Secretary of State for Art and Culture, Jorge Soares Cristóvão, represented Timor-Leste at the World Island Cities Conference 2026 and at the opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, held in the city of Yeosu, Republic of Korea, as part of an official visit from September 2^nd to 7^th, 2026.

The World Island Cities Conference took place from September 3^rd to 5^th, 2026 at Sonokam Yeosu, under the theme “Islands of the World, Promise of the Future”, bringing together representatives from island cities and territories, international organisations, and experts from various countries.

Discussions focused on the sustainable development of island communities, the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, cultural preservation and exchange, sustainable tourism, innovation, and economic opportunities related to island territories.

The national delegation, which also included the Director-General of Commerce, Elias de Jesus, and representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the State Secretariat for Art and Culture, attended a welcome dinner on September 3^rd, 2026, marking the start of the conference programme.

On the occasion, Minister Filipus Nino Pereira highlighted culture and economic cooperation as instruments for bringing island communities together and creating development opportunities.

“Timor-Leste is pleased to share our cultural heritage, traditions, tais, coffee, handicrafts, music, and the spirit of our island communities, whilst highlighting the importance of protecting our seas, environment, and heritage for future generations. As island nations and communities across the world, we share similar aspirations: sustainable development, strong communities, and greater opportunities through trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange,” said the Minister.

Filipus Nino Pereira added that Timor-Leste intends to “continue to strengthen the friendship between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea and promote greater cooperation among island nations and cities”.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister of Commerce and Industry and the Secretary of State for Art and Culture met with the Mayor of Yeosu, Seo Young-hak, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest.

The meeting addressed cultural exchange programmes, tourism promotion initiatives, and other activities aimed at strengthening relations between communities. Possibilities for cooperation in creative industries, sustainable tourism, and economic diversification were also highlighted during the meeting.

On September 4^th, 2026, the delegation, accompanied by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Korea, António de Sá Benevides, visited the Gwangyang Bay Free Economic Zone and met with the Commissioner of the Authority, Koo Choong-gon.

During the meeting, opportunities for economic cooperation, trade, and investment were analysed, and experiences regarding the operation of free economic zones were shared. Discussions covered areas such as manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, infrastructure, fisheries and maritime industries, agro-processing, and digital technologies.

Minister Filipus Nino Pereira highlighted the potential for strengthening economic cooperation with the Republic of Korea at a time when Timor-Leste is advancing its regional economic integration within the framework of ASEAN.

The cultural and economic promotion component continued on September 5^th, 2026 with the participation of the Minister of Commerce and Industry and the Secretary of State for Art and Culture in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo.

The Yeosu World Islands Expo, running from September 5^th to November 4^th, 2026, brings together participants from various countries and features exhibitions, cultural performances, and other activities dedicated to the history, culture, environment, and future of island communities.

Timor-Leste is participating in the exposition with a space dedicated to promoting its cultural identity and national products, showcasing its heritage, arts and traditions, tais, handicrafts, music, and products such as coffee.

Minister Filipus Nino Pereira and Secretary of State Jorge Soares Cristóvão, accompanied by Ambassador António de Sá Benevides and the rest of the delegation, visited the area dedicated to Timor-Leste and took part in the exhibition programme, which included visits to Yeosu’s cultural and exhibition venues.

Timor-Leste’s participation also provided an opportunity to showcase national culture and products to other delegations and visitors, fostering exchange with other island communities represented at the event.

During the official visit to the Republic of Korea, the Secretary of State for Art and Culture and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste also visited Kwandong Catholic University on September 2^nd, 2026, meeting with Father Noel Dong-Hyung Go and Soleiman Dias.

Timor-Leste’s participation in the Yeosu events provided an opportunity to present its cultural heritage and national products, engage in international dialogue on the development of island communities, and establish contacts for cooperation with institutions in the Republic of Korea in the areas of culture, tourism, trade, and investment.

Timor-Leste and Australia’s Northern Territory strengthen cooperation on training and labour mobility

Timor-Leste takes part in a forum on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement in Hong Kong

Fact Sheet on the Lighthouse Process

Supreme Court of Victoria dismisses the Lighthouse Case