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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

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 27th, 2026

The Council of Ministers met in the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium at the Ministry of Finance in Dili to review the status of budget execution by government departments and their respective autonomous agencies under the 2026 General State Budget (2026 GSB), approved by Law No. 8/2025 of November 27^th. All members of the Government, as well as the heads of the institutes and agencies within the State’s indirect administration, attended the meeting.

As of May 26^th, 2026, execution of the 2026 GSB reached 30%. Of the total budget (including social security), set at US$2.445 billion, approximately US$736 million has been spent to date. During the meeting, the main challenges in budget execution were analysed, particularly those related to implementing the new Procurement and Public Contracts Code, as well as the needs and measures aimed at strengthening capacity to execute the programmes and projects outlined in the 2026 GSB. The operation of the computerised procurement system was also presented and analysed. END

On May 21^st, 2026, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino attended the opening ceremony of the Literacy Festival at the Chega! National Centre in Dili, where he emphasised the importance of reading and writing for the education of young Timorese. 

In his opening remarks at the event, Mariano Assanami Sabino said that promoting reading remains essential in an era of rapid technological change and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Reading helps us understand our history, learn from the past, and apply important values to the new realities we face,” he said.

The Vice Prime Minister also warned of the risks of excessive reliance on digital technologies, noting that the indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence could diminish the capacity for critical thinking and individual effort.

“Reading must remain the foundation of our identity, culture, and character,” he added.

The Literacy Festival aims to foster an interest in reading, writing, and intellectual debate by promoting learning and critical thinking habits among young people and the wider community.

This initiative comes at a time when Timor-Leste is stepping up its efforts to improve the educational attainment and skills of its young people, in preparation for more active participation in regional and international forums, including ASEAN, the CPLP, the g7+, and the World Trade Organisation.

8.30 am – Ministry of Finance

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, met on May 26^th, 2026 at the Government Palace in Dili with a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by Delphine Schantz, Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, as part of the delegation’s official visit to Timor-Leste, which took place from May 25^th to 26^th, 2026. 

During the meeting, participants discussed issues concerning global governance coordination, national policy priorities, and opportunities for cooperation to align UNODC support with Timor-Leste’s governance and institutional development objectives.

The UNODC delegation presented the organisation’s work supporting 29 countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to combat transnational organised crime and cybercrime through institutional capacity-building initiatives, technical training, and operational support for national authorities. Information was also shared on emerging criminal trends in the region, including online fraud linked to organised crime.

During the meeting, Minister Agio Pereira emphasised that combating transnational crime, particularly cybercrime, is a national priority. The Minister noted that the Government is developing a legislative package on cybersecurity to strengthen the legal and institutional framework in this area. It includes measures on cyberspace security, digital services, and the prevention and response to cyber incidents.

The United Nations Convention on Cybercrime was also discussed, with the UNODC Regional Representative encouraging Timor-Leste to consider signing this international instrument, which currently has 75 signatories and only three ratifications, with 40 ratifications required for its entry into force. The delegation also expressed its willingness to provide technical support for the national legislative process in this area, including reviewing the draft cybercrime law currently under preparation.

During the meeting, the possibility of Timor-Leste signing the Convention during the high-level segment of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, scheduled for September this year, was also discussed.

Delphine Schantz reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to continuing to support Timor-Leste in strengthening its national capacity to prevent and combat transnational organised crime and cybercrime.

 

On May 22^nd, 2026, the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with relevant ministries and municipal authorities, concluded the national public consultation process to support the preparation of the 2027 General State Budget (GSB 2027), with the aim of gathering public input on development priorities and the provision of public services. 

The process officially began on May 4^th, 2026, with consultations held in all municipalities, as well as in Ataúro and the Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA). Following consultations with social partners, the process has now officially concluded with a ceremony held at the Dili Municipal Authority.

The initiative sought to gather citizens’ opinions, aspirations, and perspectives on key development challenges, gaps in public service delivery, and priority areas for action, to ensure that public policies and budget decisions for 2027 reflect the actual needs of communities.

The consultations involved various sectors of society, including village chiefs, civil society organisations, representatives of women and people with disabilities, youth, the private sector, veterans, and religious leaders. The process combined focus group discussions and surveys to collect consistent, representative, and evidence-based data to support government planning and priority-setting.

The public consultation took a practical, action-oriented approach, and the feedback received is expected to be analysed and incorporated into the national planning process and the preparation of the 2027 GSB.

Vice-Minister of Finance Regina de Jesus de Sousa stated that “this consultation is not merely an administrative formality but an important part of the culture of dialogue and collaboration between the Government and local authorities. National development requires collaboration and shared responsibility from the national level down to the village level. The ideas and recommendations presented will be carefully analysed and considered in the preparation of policies and the General State Budget for 2027.”

Milena Rangel, Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs and Timor-Leste’s Lead Representative to the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), led the national delegation to the 26th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (ASEAN–China SOM-DOC), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 21^st, 2026. 

At the meeting, participants reviewed progress in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). They also discussed ways to advance negotiations towards the conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

On the same day, the 32nd ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting was also held, during which participants reviewed progress in ASEAN-China relations and discussed future areas of cooperation, in the context of the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

On May 19^th, 2026, during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Timor-Leste officially received the World Health Organisation (WHO) certificate recognising Timor-Leste as a malaria-free country. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the certificate to Vice Minister of Health José dos Reis Magno.  

The WHO officially announced international recognition on July 24^th, 2025, when Timor-Leste was certified as a malaria-free country, following more than two decades of national efforts to eliminate one of the deadliest and most persistent tropical diseases.

In his opening address at the World Health Assembly, the WHO Director-General singled out Timor-Leste as one of the countries internationally recognised for its progress in eliminating infectious diseases.

The WHO certification confirms that Timor-Leste has successfully interrupted local malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years, thereby meeting the organisation’s technical criteria.

For decades, malaria has been one of the greatest public health challenges in Timor-Leste. The international recognition now formally acknowledged at the World Health Assembly reflects the work carried out by the Government, through the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with WHO, international partners, health professionals, and local communities throughout the country.

Upon receiving official recognition from the WHO, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said, “This victory belongs to our tireless health workers and to every family that committed to prevention. For more than 20 years, we have fought hamlet by hamlet, family by family. This proves that not even the deadliest diseases can withstand the determination of the Timorese.”

Health Minister Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral also emphasised that “the elimination of malaria honours every life lost, and every life now protected,” adding that the country must now sustain this achievement “through continuous vigilance and community action.”

The WHO’s recognition was preceded by several assessment missions conducted between 2023 and 2025, which confirmed the absence of local transmission of the disease and the robustness of the national epidemiological surveillance system.

While attending the World Health Assembly, the national delegation also took part in the “Walk the Talk” initiative, organised by WHO to encourage healthy lifestyles and promote health for all.

The World Health Assembly, held from May 18^th to 23^rd, 2026, is the WHO’s principal decision-making body, bringing Member States together annually to set global health priorities and policies.

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, emphasised today, May 25^th, 2026, in Dili, the importance of strengthening public institutions, modernising the state, and promoting regional integration in Timor-Leste during the session dedicated to the Institutional Development Sector as part of the annual meeting with Timor-Leste’s Development Partners (TLDPM), under the theme “Charting a Resilient Horizon: Blue Economy, ASEAN Integration, and Coordinated Action.” The meeting brings together officials from the Government, development partners, and representatives from civil society and the private sector to analyse national strategic priorities, development challenges, and institutional coordination mechanisms. 

In his remarks, the minister stated that “strong institutions are the foundation of everything,” adding that “a predictable and reliable government builds trust—the trust of its citizens and of the partners and investors whose involvement can help us grow.”

Agio Pereira emphasised that institutional development is one of the priorities of the 9th Constitutional Government, in line with the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Timor-Leste’s commitments within the ASEAN framework.

The minister also highlighted Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN, which will be finalised in October 2025, and noted that this marks “the beginning of a new journey.” He added that “we are not mere spectators of ASEAN integration. We are its builders,” and noted that Timor-Leste will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

During his speech, Agio Pereira also addressed the challenges of economic and institutional development, advocating investment in human capital, digital transformation, the blue economy, and social inclusion. “Human capital is not a secondary priority. It is the driving force behind everything else,” he stated.

The minister also emphasised the need to bring public services closer to the people and to promote inclusion through administrative modernisation. “The digital government (…) is not merely an exercise in modernisation, but an act of inclusion,” he stated.

The technical presentation by the Institutional Development Sector was delivered by Natália Sarmento, Coordinator of the Office for the Development of Strategic Public Policies (GDPPE) within the Office of the President of the Council of Ministers. The presentation highlighted the Sector’s main achievements and priorities within the framework for implementing Government Resolution No. 43/2024, which established the Interministerial Commissions for Sectoral Development Coordination (CICDS). Within this interministerial coordination framework, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers chairs the Institutional Development Sector commission.

During the presentation, national progress and strategic priorities were highlighted across government coordination, justice, security, defence, international relations and cooperation, state administration, administrative decentralisation, local governance, border management and migration, civil protection, digital transformation, public administration, spatial planning, and regional integration. Priorities also included strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, modernising the state, strengthening democratic institutions and institutional capacity, improving the delivery of public services, and preparing Timor-Leste for the challenges and opportunities arising from integration into ASEAN and growing national participation in regional and international mechanisms.

At the end of his remarks, Agio Pereira emphasised that “the institutions we are building today are not for us. They are for those who will come after us,” arguing for the need to prepare future generations to take “their place at the table of nations.”

The meeting with Timor-Leste’s development partners will be held on May 25^th and 26^th at the Ministry of Finance, bringing together representatives of the Government, international partners, and national institutions to discuss development priorities, public policy coordination, and strategic cooperation across various areas.

The 9th Constitutional Government will hold the annual meeting with Timor-Leste’s Development Partners (TLDPM) on May 25^th and 26^th, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance, under the theme “Charting a Resilient Horizon: Blue Economy, ASEAN Integration, and Coordinated Action.” The meeting will bring together members of the Government, development partners, representatives of civil society, and the private sector to analyse national strategic priorities, development challenges, and institutional coordination mechanisms. 

At the opening session, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stated that “Timor-Leste’s resilience [...] is not merely the result of our people’s determination. It is also the result of the friendship, solidarity, and support we have received from our partners, from the struggle for independence to the building and consolidation of the state and the nation.”

The Head of the Government noted that the meeting is taking place at a symbolic moment for the country, following the celebrations of the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence. He emphasised that “this was a celebration with very special significance. We celebrated 24 years of independence, a period equivalent to the duration of the struggle for independence.” He added that “this historic date is proof that a nation, even a small one, can achieve great victories when it fights with courage, awareness, national unity, and love for the homeland.”

During the TLDPM’s presentation, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to strengthen coordination between the Government and international partners, arguing that “these partnerships will only realise their full potential if they are based on a clear alignment between national priorities, funding, implementation strategies, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.”

The meeting’s agenda is divided between the plenary session on the morning of the first day and sector-specific interministerial sessions focused on key national development priorities. On the morning of the first day, the agenda includes presentations on the Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Blue Economy, the monitoring report on the 2011-2030 Strategic Development Plan, Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN, and public administration reform. In the afternoon, discussions will focus on institutional and economic development, including strategic public policies, government coordination, and national economic priorities. On the second day, discussions will continue with sessions dedicated to infrastructure and social capital development.

Within the scope of the Blue Economy, the Prime Minister emphasised that “the 9th Constitutional Government has adopted a clear strategic vision: to transform our sea—which is central to our identity, economy, and geopolitics—into a source of sustainable development, social inclusion, and environmental resilience.” He added that “for Timor-Leste, the Blue Economy is not only a strategy for survival but also for development and climate resilience.”

Regarding the Strategic Development Plan (SDP), Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stated that he views the document “not as a government plan, but as a collective legacy of the nation,” and argued for the need to “accelerate its implementation and translate progress into measurable results in people’s lives.”

Timor-Leste’s full integration into ASEAN is also a key topic of the meeting. The Prime Minister stated that joining the regional organisation “marks yet another historic milestone in our 24-year journey as an independent state” and added that “being part of ASEAN is, in itself, a constant exercise in commitment, responsibility, and coordinated action.”

In closing his remarks, the Prime Minister called for strengthened cooperation with partners, stating that “we will make history together, once again,” “prove to the world, once again, that our resilience overcomes our weaknesses, and that our coordinated action overcomes any obstacles to sustainable development.”