……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 26th, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft government resolution to renew the term of the Steering Committee 25 (Comité Orientador 25) for another five-year period, following the expiry of its current term in January 2027.
The renewal of the mandate aims to ensure the continuity and completion of the research, analysis, and drafting of the book “History of the Youth and Student Resistance in Timor-Leste”, with Volumes I, III, and IV already completed.
The Government Resolution further stipulates that expenses and costs arising from the Committee’s activities are subject to the regulations governing the award of public grants and are covered by funds allocated in the Ministry of Education’s annual budget. Steering Committee 25 must also coordinate the implementation of its activities with the Ministry of National Liberation Veterans’ Affairs and the Chega! National Centre, IP.
****
The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, presented the findings of the ASEAN Secretariat’s report on the implementation of the roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN to the Council of Ministers.
The report, covering progress between May 2025 and January 2026, highlights Timor-Leste’s strides in meeting the criteria set out in the Roadmap, including active participation in ASEAN meetings, the strengthening of inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, the operation of Timor-Leste’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN, and the designation of national entities and focal points responsible for the various areas of cooperation. Between January and September 2025, Timor-Leste participated in 455 of the 504 meetings to which it was invited, corresponding to a participation rate of 90.3%.
Of the seven criteria set out in the Roadmap, five have been fully implemented, including those relating to institutional capacity, the Permanent Mission, national implementation and coordination mechanisms, visa exemptions and passport recognition, and the financial obligations arising from accession.
The process of acceding to ASEAN’s legal instruments is partially implemented, with requirements under the Political-Security and Socio-Cultural pillars already met and work continuing within the framework of the Economic Community. Preparations are also underway to develop the infrastructure and logistical capacity required for Timor-Leste’s future responsibilities within ASEAN and for the country’s presidency of the organisation in 2029.
****
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Decree regulating the National Centre for Coordination, Assessment, and Combating Transnational Threats (CN-CAT), as provided for in the Integrated National Plan to Prevent and Combat Transnational Digital Financial Fraud Networks Supported by Online Scam Platforms (SCAM), Organised Cybercrime, and Human Trafficking, for the period 2026 to 2031.
The CN-CAT reports directly to the Prime Minister and is responsible for ensuring inter-institutional coordination, conducting integrated threat assessments, and supporting the Government’s strategic decision-making to prevent and combat transnational threats that could affect national security, digital sovereignty, economic stability, the integrity of the national financial system, or the State’s strategic interests. These threats include digital financial fraud, online scam platforms, organised cybercrime, illegal entry and stay of foreign nationals in the national territory, and human trafficking.
The Centre brings together representatives of the main agencies responsible for these areas and is coordinated by the Director-General of the National Strategic Intelligence Service, assisted by the Director of the Forensic Criminal Investigation Police. Its main functions include the ongoing assessment of threats, the preparation of strategic reports and alerts for the Prime Minister, the sharing of information among participating agencies, technical coordination and the planning of joint actions, and the monitoring of the implementation of the measures set out in the National Plan.
The activities of the CN-CAT do not alter the jurisdiction of its member entities, nor do they confer powers of criminal investigation or operational direction; furthermore, the Public Prosecutor’s Office retains control over criminal investigations.
*****
Following the presentation by the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution adopting the official theme and slogan for the celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of National Timorese Women’s Day. The approved theme is “Women of Timor-Leste: Celebrating 50 Years of Equality and Inclusion,” and the slogan is “We, the Women of Timor-Leste, will never give up; we will continue to fight for Equality and Inclusion.”
The celebrations aim to honour and recognise the historic contributions of Timorese women, reinforce commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, and promote women’s active participation in national development. The programme also aims to pay tribute to the many generations of women who, over the past 50 years, have contributed to Timor-Leste’s independence, peace, and development.
The programme includes an opening ceremony on November 3rd, 2026, in the Municipality of Bobonaro, honouring National Heroine Maria Tapó. It will feature cultural and sporting activities, a Mass of Thanksgiving, and community dialogue. On November 6th, the official national ceremony will take place at the Dili Convention Centre and will feature a seminar on the role of women in peacebuilding, equality, and development; exhibitions highlighting women’s contributions to the national resistance and state-building; and cultural and artistic activities. The municipalities will also hold commemorative activities.
The Secretariat of State for Equality is responsible for coordinating the celebrations and for establishing the organising committee, in collaboration with the relevant ministries, municipal authorities, civil society organisations, development partners, and other relevant entities.
*****
Following the proposal presented by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers decided to ratify the authorisations for expenditure and the decision to initiate the procurement process, through a public tender, to purchase fuel for the Hera and Betano power plants.
The total estimated cost of the contract is US$428.99 million, divided into two lots: approximately US$316.31 million for the supply of about 372.5 million litres of fuel to the Hera Power Plant and approximately US$112.67 million for about 129.9 million litres of fuel to the Betano Power Plant.
The procedure aims to ensure the continuity of fuel supply from January 2027 onwards and, consequently, to guarantee the operation of the two power plants and electricity generation in the country after the current supply contracts expire in December 2026. The three-year contract also seeks to provide greater supply stability, facilitate the management of fuel reserves, and enable the negotiation of more favourable prices.
*****
Lastly, the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on preparations for the ceremonies honouring and repatriating the mortal remains of D. Jaime Garcia Goulart, D. José Joaquim Ribeiro, Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes, and D. Alberto Ricardo da Silva.
The presentation outlined the programme of tributes, organised jointly by the Government and the Timorese Episcopal Conference, which includes the official reception of the remains in Dili on September 1st, 2026, the ceremonies in Tasi Tolu, and the subsequent transfer to their final resting places. The initiative aims to honour the spiritual, historical, and national legacy of these prelates and to recognise their contribution to the people and history of Timor-Leste. END
Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Dili Convention Centre
24 August 2026
available soon
available soon
Solemn Address By His Excellency the Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Noble Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dili,19 August 2026
The 26th episode of the Government Page TV Show will be broadcast this Friday at 19:00 on Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL) and on official Government media platforms. The guest for this edition is the Secretary of State for Livestock, José Vieira de Araújo, who will discuss public policies, priorities, and the challenges facing Timor-Leste’s livestock sector.
During the interview, the Government’s key initiatives to strengthen the livestock sector will be presented, including boosting livestock production, improving animal health and sanitation, promoting food security, and highlighting the contribution of livestock farming to the economic and social development of rural communities.
The discussion will also highlight measures to support producers, to prevent and control animal diseases, to strengthen the livestock industry, to develop cooperative production and marketing systems, and to expand national milk production and its potential contribution to child nutrition by integrating locally produced milk into school meal programmes.
The Government Page TV Show is an initiative of the Office of the Government Spokesperson, led by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, in partnership with RTTL and national media outlets. The programme aims to strengthen government transparency and ensure citizens’ access to key actions and decisions of the Executive. The programme features Nélia Chaves as presenter and Ika Moniz as executive producer. Technical support is provided by the media teams of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the office of the interviewed member of the Government.
The Government invites the public to follow this episode of the Government Page TV Show on Friday, August 21st, 2026, at 19:00, on RTTL and across social media platforms.
JAKARTA, 12 August 2026, the Secretary of State for Art and Culture (SEAC), Jorge Soares Cristóvão, accompanied by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Timor-Leste to Indonesia, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, and a delegation, paid a courtesy visit today to the Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, in Jakarta to discuss bilateral collaboration and cooperation between the two countries, with a view to the future development of the arts and culture.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration between Timor-Leste and Indonesia through the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and cultural initiatives that will contribute to the preservation, promotion and development of the cultural heritage of both countries. The discussions also reaffirmed the shared cultural and historical ties between the two neighbouring countries.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the mutual commitment to finalise and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia and the Secretariat of State for Art and Culture of Timor-Leste. The agreement is expected to establish a formal framework for cooperation in areas such as cultural preservation, museum and library development, cultural exchanges, capacity building and the promotion of creative industries.
During the discussions, Minister Fadli Zon also expressed Indonesia’s commitment to providing technical support for the implementation and institutional development of the National Museum and National Library of Timor-Leste. The assistance is expected to include the sharing of specialised knowledge, professional training and technical cooperation, with the aim of strengthening the country’s cultural infrastructure and safeguarding its documentary and historical heritage.
The National Library Project, whose construction officially began in July 2026, is a strategic cultural initiative of the Government of Timor-Leste aimed at preserving the country’s documentary heritage, supporting education and research, and providing future generations with greater access to knowledge and historical records.
Secretary of State Jorge Soares Cristóvão welcomed Indonesia’s commitment, stressing that stronger regional cooperation in the field of culture contributes not only to the preservation of national identity, but also to strengthening relations between peoples, the exchange of knowledge and sustainable cultural development throughout Southeast Asia.
In addition to the meeting, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will be signed by the Indonesian Minister of Culture and the Secretary of State for Art and Culture, was also discussed. This courtesy meeting reflects the shared commitment of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to further strengthen bilateral relations through culture, foster cooperation that benefits both countries, and simultaneously preserve and promote their cultural heritage, which constitutes a valuable legacy for future generations.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 12th, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and was briefed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, on the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), to be held in Dili on August 19th, 2026, under the pro tempore presidency of Timor-Leste.
The meeting will be an important opportunity to strengthen political and diplomatic coordination and cooperation among Member States, in line with the theme of the Timorese Presidency: “Consolidation of the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges Facing the CPLP.” Among the main items on the agenda are the situation in Guinea-Bissau, preparations for the upcoming CPLP Presidency, and the definition of the Organisation’s strategic guidelines for the coming years.
The meeting is also expected to review the Administrative Agreement for the Implementation of the CPLP Multilateral Social Security Convention, which aims to strengthen social protection and the portability of citizens’ social security rights within the Community. A declaration on “Consolidating the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges Facing the CPLP” will also be considered, reaffirming the Member States’ commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the strengthening of political and diplomatic coordination.
*****
Based on a proposal by Vice-Minister of Finance Regina de Jesus, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise Minister of Finance Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso to negotiate with the World Bank for a loan, through the International Development Association (IDA), to finance the Baucau Municipal Capital Water Supply Project.
The project, which is part of the second phase of the World Bank’s regional Water Security and Resilience initiative, aims to increase access to safely managed water supply services in selected areas of Baucau. It calls for the construction and operation of a centralised, climate-resilient system capable of serving approximately 37,000 people by 2031.
With projected funding of US$30 million, the project includes the rehabilitation and expansion of existing water sources and pumping systems, the construction of new water intake facilities, pumping stations, pipelines, treatment and storage facilities, as well as the installation of approximately 7,000 household connections with sub-metering. It also includes measures to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of Bee Timor-Leste (BTL) through technical assistance, capacity building, and support for infrastructure management and maintenance. The financing will be provided on highly concessional terms, with a 10-year grace period and a 40-year maturity. It will also include an option to defer payments in the event of a national emergency related to climate-related events. Implementation will be carried out by the Ministry of Public Works through the Project Management Unit, with BTL responsible for the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure upon its completion.
*****
The Council of Ministers, upon a proposal by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, approved the draft Government Resolution for the appointment by the Government of a member and their alternate to the National Election Commission.
The appointment stems from the expiration of the terms of office of the current members of the National Election Commission, scheduled for August 16th, 2026, and is made pursuant to Law No. 5/2006, of December 28th, as currently in force, which grants the Government the authority to appoint one of the seven members of the Commission, as well as at least one alternate member. For the new term, running from 2026 to 2031, the Government has appointed Mr Élviro Fernandes Moniz as a full member and Ms Odete Maria Belo as an alternate member.
Mr Élviro Fernandes Moniz is recognised for his integrity and experience in the field of electoral administration and currently holds a leadership position at the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration. Ms Odete Maria Belo is also recognised for her integrity and experience in the electoral field, having served as a member of the National Election Commission for several years. Neither of them holds leadership positions in political parties or on electoral campaigns.
With these appointments, the Government ensures the continuity and smooth operation of the National Election Commission for the new term, thereby helping to strengthen the independence, credibility, and effectiveness of the oversight of electoral processes in Timor-Leste, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and legal framework.
*****
The Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, presented information to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the National Programs to Combat Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste, including the main results achieved, the challenges identified, and the priorities for action to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for people affected by these diseases.
The presentation also provided an opportunity to review ongoing measures to strengthen the national response, particularly through improved access to health services, timely diagnosis and treatment, epidemiological surveillance, and community awareness-raising. The Government reaffirmed the importance of continuing and strengthening these national programs, with a view to reducing the incidence and impact of these diseases and improving the health and well-being of the population.
*****
Lastly, upon a proposal by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution mandating the return to the State of the land granted to the company Pelican Paradise Group Limited, under the respective Special Investment Agreement (SIA), approved by Government Resolution No. 133/2021 of December 15. Given that the aforementioned SIA has ceased to be in effect and that the company has been notified of its termination, the land granted as part of the investment must be returned to the State.
The resolution directs the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs to promote and coordinate the necessary actions to ensure the return of the land to the State, which must be handed over free of people and property. The resolution further stipulates that all relevant public entities, within the scope of their respective authorities, adopt the administrative measures necessary to comply with the decision.END