Applications for the third cohort of Timor-Leste’s national leadership programme, Futuru Líder Ba ASEAN (FLBA), will be opened for online applications from 12to 20 January 2026.

The FLBA is a 12-month leadership development programme for 100 selected future leaders aged 27 to 38 years. It is fully funded by the Timor-Leste government and aims to prepare the nation’s next generation of leaders, from all sectors and municipalities, for integration into ASEAN and long-term national development. The FLBA programme is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, specifically under the day-to-day direction of the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs.

The first FLBA programme was launched by the government in 2024 to prepare Timor-Leste’s next generation for leadership in ASEAN and the capability to lead the country’s long-term development. The first two cohorts contributed measurably to Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership in 2024 and 2025, which was achieved on 26 October 2025.

The FLBA is a world-class development programme that requires attendees to be present at all training sessions, complete a demanding set of assignments, and participate in a weeklong immersion trip abroad to ASEAN countries. Participants who do not complete the requirements will not be eligible for FLBA certification at the end of the programme.

There is no education fee charged to selected candidates. The cost of travel for ASEAN exposure is free for participants. However, participants are required to complete all the assignments and workshops in the program.

For ministries and organisations employing participants who attend the FLBA programme, the benefits include enhanced leadership capability, international readiness, leadership networking, and leadership career development. Through their future leaders, Timor-Leste’s organisations from all sectors become part of a network leading national strategic development. However, sponsoring organisations are required to sign a letter authorizing candidates to be free to participate fully in all FLBA activities and assignments.

 

Requirements for Candidates

Participants are carefully selected through an application process, recommendation letter by their sponsoring organisation and an individual interview. There is no preference given according to political party affiliation or religious faith. Diversity criteria include gender balance, geographical representation from across the country, and inclusion of people with disabilities

Participants must be:

• Age 27-38.
• Fluent in English (all courses and assignments are in English).
• Provide in the application form a letter of recommendation from a sponsor at a leadership level in their organisation.

Application Procedure

Starting 12 January, you can use this link to fill in the FLBA Cohort 3 online application form:

https://forms.gle/kGJDVmk6nN1hVkXZA

1. Candidates fill in the online FLBA application form (important note: applications close at midnight on 20 January).
2. Sponsor recommendation letter with signature to be uploaded in PDF format in the application form.
3. Demonstration of English fluency. Option for fluency level is an English language test score (if you have them) or a short description of your fluency using English in education and work experience.
4. Results of the online application will be announced by email on 25 January. Interviews for selected candidates will be held at MNEC from 28 January to 4 February 2026.

For questions or to communicate with the selection panel, please use this email: cohort1.flba@gmail.com.

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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 January 7th 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved a draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, for the First Amendment to Decree-Law No. 73/2023. The amendment introduces specific adjustments to the organisation of the Ministry of the Interior, with a view to optimising the effectiveness and efficiency in the pursuit of its duties. The functional reorganisation focuses on redistributing responsibilities among national directorates, eliminating redundancies and promoting operational synergies through the reconfiguration of existing structures.

The main measures include transforming the National Directorate for Administration and Planning into the National Directorate for Administration, Archives and Training; reconfiguring the National Directorate for Logistics, Asset Management and Archives into the National Directorate for Logistics and Asset Management; adjusting the responsibilities of the National Directorate for Human Resources; and clarifying the role of the Legal Support and Advisory Office and the Security Office.

This change represents an organisational optimisation with minimal budgetary impact, contributing to greater functional clarity, enhanced coordination between services, and potential reductions in operating costs. The measure aligns with the Programme of the 9th Constitutional Government, reaffirming the commitment to the continuous improvement of the functioning of State security institutions.

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The draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Minister of the Interior, concerning the first amendment to the Decree-Law establishing the Organic Law of the Migration Service (SM), was also approved. This amendment consolidates the modernisation and strengthens the operational efficiency of migration management in Timor-Leste. This first amendment makes important structural adjustments to the organisation of migration services, focusing on three main areas: centralising the coordination of support services, strengthening legal and institutional capacities, and eliminating organisational redundancies.

The amendment introduces a General Coordinator of Support Services, responsible for the integrated coordination of support offices, centralises and specialises the legal structure by transforming it into the National Directorate of Legal Services, Asylum and Refugees, and eliminates territorial delegations, concentrating all operational activity at border posts. This change represents a further step in the ongoing modernisation of the border sector, consolidating a more efficient, agile, and specialised migration system. Implementing this new organisational structure will enable the Migration Service to respond more effectively to contemporary challenges of international mobility while maintaining high standards of professionalism and compliance with international border management standards.

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The Council of Ministers also approved the Government’s draft Resolution, also presented by the Minister of the Interior, on the 2011–2040 Strategic Plan for Internal Security.

This plan sets out the long-term strategic framework for the actions of the Ministry of the Interior and the other components of the Internal Security System, reflecting the 9th Constitutional Government’s commitment to promoting an environment of peace, stability, and security as essential conditions for the sustainable socio-economic development of Timor-Leste. The document responds to the need to update and realign the previous strategic plan, taking into account evolving internal security challenges and lessons learned in the meantime.

The Internal Security Strategic Plan 2011–2040 is grounded in a vision of the future in which citizens live in peace, free from fear and embedded in a safe and progressive community environment. To achieve this vision, it sets out a clear mission for the Ministry of the Interior, focused on the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of internal security policies, guided by principles such as respect for constitutional values, prevention, impartiality, inclusiveness, institutional coordination and the link between security and development.

Structured in phases, the plan is organised into three strategic periods — 2026-2030, 2031-2035, and 2036-2040 — and is based on four cross-cutting pillars: improving service conditions, enhancing the quality-of-service delivery, consolidating the legal framework, and strengthening partnerships with the community and with national and international partners. These pillars underpin the development of institutional

 capacities within the Ministry of the Interior, including the National Police of Timor-Leste, the Migration Service, the Civil Protection Authority, and other relevant structures in the field of internal security.

The plan also recognises the close relationship between security and development, integrating responses to challenges such as transnational crime, natural disaster risks and socio-economic factors that influence social stability. In this context, it strengthens bilateral and multilateral cooperation, aligning with regional and international commitments, particularly within the framework of ASEAN, g7+ and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on SDG 16.

The implementation of the 2011–2040 Internal Security Strategic Plan will be led and coordinated by the Government member responsible for internal security, in conjunction with other ministries, sovereign bodies, local authorities, international partners, civil society and communities, and will be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation. With this decision, the Government provides the country with a clear and comprehensive guiding instrument to strengthen internal security and contribute to a more secure, stable, and prosperous Timor-Leste.

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Also, on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior, the Government’s draft resolution appointing the Chief Superintendent of the National Police of Timor-Leste, Natércia Eufrásia Soares Martins, to the position of Executive Director of the Migration Service, on secondment, for a period of three years, renewable once for the same period, as she has the technical skills, aptitude and professional experience required for the role.

Given the contemporary challenges in migration control, including increased human mobility, emerging cybersecurity and transnational terrorism concerns, and the need to promote a favourable environment for tourism, investment and sustainable economic development, the Government considers it advantageous to appoint a police officer from the National Police of Timor-Leste with sufficient experience and command to head the Migration Service.

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At the proposal of the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, the Council of Ministers decided to appoint Nicodemos dos Reis Pereira as Commissioner of the Tax Authority for a period of four years, recognising his technical capacity and proven professional experience.

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At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, the Council of Ministers decided to propose Elisa Maria da Silva for the position of Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN.

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The Council of Ministers analysed the presentation by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, on the certification process for Rota do Sândalo International Airport in Oe-Cússe and FALINTIL Commander-in-Chief Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão International Airport in Suai. This certification process aims to strengthen the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations at these airports, ensuring adequate conditions for the regular operation of passenger flights in accordance with the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and applicable national regulations.

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The Minister of Transport and Communications also gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on his participation in the 6th Meeting of ASEAN Digital Ministers and related meetings, which will take place in Hanoi from January 13^th to 16^th, 2026. This meeting is ASEAN’s highest-level digital cooperation forum and is held annually to define strategic guidelines, promote common policies, and strengthen regional and international cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy.

The meeting will be held under the theme “ASEAN in Adaptation: From Infrastructure Connectivity to Smart Connectivity” and will focus on the transition to smart connectivity models, with an emphasis on data, artificial intelligence, innovation, digital governance, digital skills development, and the digital sector’s contribution to the region’s sustainable socio-economic development. The agenda includes senior officials’ meetings, ministerial meetings with dialogue partners, thematic sessions, and side events, as well as the presentation of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2026–2030 and the ASEAN Digital Awards.

Timor-Leste’s participation is particularly significant, marking the country’s first appearance at this forum as a full ASEAN member, strengthening its involvement in regional digital cooperation processes, and enabling it to closely monitor emerging priorities and trends in digital transformation at the regional and global levels.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, presented to the Council of Ministers an outline of the activities planned for Timor-Leste’s Presidency of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), following the decision by the CPLP Heads of State and Government to suspend the Republic of Guinea-Bissau’s participation in all the organisation’s activities until constitutional order is restored, and to appoint the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to exercise the pro tempore presidency of the organisation.

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The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on scenarios and strategic considerations for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Presidency.

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The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, presented to the Council of Ministers a status report on the main results achieved in infrastructure development. Of the 260 planned rural road projects, 45 have been completed, and 215 are scheduled for 2026. Regarding urban, national, and municipal roads, 27 projects have been completed, with another 160 planned for implementation in 2026.

Regarding bridges, of the 17 planned projects, one was completed in 2025 and twelve are scheduled for completion in 2026. In the water and sanitation sector, one project has been completed and twelve are expected to be completed in 2026. In the electricity sector, 15 projects have been completed, with a further 49 planned for 2026.

Thirty-nine emergency projects were also completed in 2025, with 228 scheduled for completion in 2026. Lastly, regarding public buildings and gardens, five projects were implemented, with a further 21 planned for implementation throughout 2026.

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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, to terminate the appointment of Arlindo Pinto as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Institute and, by extension, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Security Reserve Fund. The Government Resolution also stipulates that, until the appointment and inauguration of the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Institute, Ms Solange de Fátima Borges, acting member, shall perform the duties of Chairman of the Board of Directors on a temporary basis, ensuring the continuity of public service. END

 

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On December 29^th, 2025, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão inaugurated a set of ten irrigation projects in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA) at a ceremony held at the Aenmat Tractor Maintenance Centre in the Lalisuk village (Suco) of the Pante Makasar subregion. 

In addition to irrigation projects, water drilling systems for horticulture, a water supply system for an animal production centre, protective walls for fishing docks, sediment removal from the Tono dam, and the expansion of infrastructure to support tractor operations in Aenmat were also inaugurated. Together, the projects represent a total investment of approximately US$455,900.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed his expectation that these investments would increase agricultural production in the region and reduce dependence on imports, emphasising their direct impact on the local economy.

The Head of the Government also highlighted the execution of the works by local companies, noting that the participation of Timorese in the implementation of these projects reflects the process of nation-building and the strengthening of internal capacities.

On the same occasion, the President of the RAEOA Authority, Régio da Cruz Salu, expressed his satisfaction with the inauguration of the works, highlighting the quality of the work carried out and its potential to support agricultural development in Oé-Cusse.

The projects now inaugurated ensure a regular water supply to around 300 hectares of agricultural land, directly benefiting 743 households. The expansion of cultivated areas in RAEOA contributes to increased agricultural productivity, particularly in rice production, reduces dependence on rainwater, and strengthens the resilience of the local agricultural sector.

Regional leaders and farmers from the region, who are directly involved in implementing and benefiting from these projects for local communities, attended the ceremony.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, January 5th, 2026

Press Release

Timor-Leste’s statement on the situation in Venezuela

Timor-Leste has been monitoring reports of the United States’ intervention in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the apprehension and forcible removal of its President and his wife on 3 January 2026.

Timor-Leste expresses its concern over the disruption to civilian life and the potential humanitarian impact resulting from foreign military activities.

Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to international law, including respect for sovereignty, non- use of threat and force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, as enshrined in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter as its principles are essential to safeguarding the independence of all States, and particularly, small States.

Timor-Leste calls for restraint, a return to dialogue and diplomacy, and a peaceful resolution of the situation in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. END

On December 31^st, 2025, Timor-Leste marked National Heroes’ Day with a symbolic march from the Presidential Palace to the statue of the late President Nicolau Lobato in Dili, paying tribute to the heroes and martyrs of the National Liberation who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty. 

The celebrations brought together the President of the Republic, representatives of sovereign bodies, members of the 9th Constitutional Government, veterans, members of the defence and security forces, civil servants, and citizens, in a moment that symbolised national unity and intergenerational responsibility for preserving historical memory and the values of patriotism.

The march, in particular, commemorated the 47th anniversary of the death in combat of Commander Nicolau Lobato, which occurred on December 31^st, 1978 in the village (Suco) of Mindelo, in the municipality of Manufahi, as well as the memory of all the heroes who lost their lives in the struggle for self-determination between 1975 and 1999.

The highlight of the celebrations took place at the Nicolau Lobato Monument, where the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, presided over the solemn ceremony honouring national heroes, including the laying of wreaths.

In his speech, the Head of State paid tribute to the courage and selflessness of the nation’s founders, highlighting historical figures such as Nicolau dos Reis Lobato and Francisco Xavier do Amaral, and emphasised that Timor-Leste’s freedom was the result of a long process of resistance and sacrifice by the Timorese.

The official National Heroes’ Day programme concluded on the evening of December 31^st with the celebration of the end of 2025 and the welcoming of 2026 at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, with the participation of the population.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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December 29^th, 2025

Press Release

Timor-Leste mourns the passing of Pat Walsh

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of Pat Walsh, an Australian human rights activist and long-time friend of the Timorese, today, December 29^th, 2025.

Over several decades, Pat Walsh maintained a steadfast commitment to Timor-Leste’s cause, playing an important role in defending the right to self-determination, denouncing human rights violations from the outset of the occupation, and supporting the process of national reconciliation after independence was restored.

He also stood out for his contributions to the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR – acronym in Portuguese) and for his work in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Chega! Report, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s historical and institutional memory.

In recognition of his career and dedication to the Timorese, Pat Walsh was honoured by the Timorese State with the Insignia of the Order of Timor-Leste.

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, on behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, extends his “deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who shared his journey” and assures that Pat Walsh “will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to peace, justice, and dignity for the people of Timor-Leste”. END

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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December 26^th, 2025

Press Release

The Government congratulates the President of the Republic on his birthday

On the occasion of the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta’s birthday, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste extends its warmest congratulations to him.

The Government Spokesperson and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, states that “today we celebrate the legacy and recognise the continued contribution of the Head of State to the consolidation of peace, democracy, and the international prestige of Timor-Leste, wishing him health and success in the exercise of his duties, for the benefit of the country and the Timorese.” END

 

The Council of Ministers, at its meeting on December 22^nd, 2025 at the Government Palace in Dili, approved two Government Decrees approving the Regulations for the application of the Procurement and Public Contracts Code and the respective Standard Procurement Documents, within the scope of the implementation of the new legal regime for procurement and public contracting, which will come into force on January 1^st, 2026. 

The Regulations for the Implementation of the Procurement and Public Contracts Code and the Overview of the Legal Framework for Public Procurement in Timor-Leste aim to support civil servants, procurement managers, and other stakeholders involved in public procurement procedures by providing clear, uniform, and operational guidance on implementing the new Code. These documents systematise the main provisions of the legal regime, clarify the structural principles, procurement methods, and rules applicable to public contracts for goods, services, and works.

The documents now approved will be made available on the Procurement Portal, in the official languages and translated into the working languages, and will apply to public contracts entered into by the services and entities of the Administrative Public Sector, with the aim of ensuring greater transparency, more efficient procedures, and greater predictability in the management of public resources.

At the same meeting, the Council of Ministers also approved the Government Decree establishing the Standard Procurement Documents provided for in the new Code. These documents are organised into three categories—Goods, Services, and Works—to facilitate their use, depending on the nature of the public contract to be concluded. The forms associated with procurement procedures will be made available by the Ministry of Finance through the Procurement Portal, and public services and entities must maintain a system for recording procedures for a minimum period of ten years.

The new Public Procurement and Contracts Code was approved by Decree-Law No. 1/2025 of January 8^th, as part of the public finance management reform process led by the 9th Constitutional Government. The Decree-Law replaces the previous regime and introduces changes to modernise and simplify public procurement procedures, enhance transparency, promote the more efficient use of state resources, and support the national business sector, including through a preference regime for national suppliers.

The entry into force of the new Code has been postponed until January 1^st, 2026, to ensure the effective and coordinated implementation of the new legal regime, establish the necessary conditions for its full application, and ensure legal certainty and compliance with the principles of public administration.

With the approval of the Regulation, Overview, and Standard Procurement Documents, the Government has completed an essential step towards implementing the new Procurement and Public Contracts Code, strengthening the regulatory framework for public procurement as part of the public finance reform.