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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 21st, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to approve the National Roadmap for the Implementation of ASEAN Economic Commitments 2026–2030, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
This Roadmap establishes the national framework for guidance and coordination to ensure the phased fulfilment of Timor-Leste’s economic commitments within the ASEAN framework from 2026 to 2030, setting out priorities, actions, and institutional responsibilities. The Roadmap is accompanied by 19 Sectoral Strategic Action Plans for 2026–2030 and 19 Sectoral Work Plans for 2026–2027, which translate these commitments into sectoral priorities, reforms, and concrete actions.
The resolution stipulates that the ministries, institutions and other public bodies involved must ensure the implementation of the actions set out within their respective areas of responsibility, whilst the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, under the coordination of the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, is responsible for overall coordination, monitoring and consolidation of progress in implementing the Roadmap.
The responsible bodies must provide regular reports on the implementation status of the measures, including progress made, constraints identified and proposed measures to address them. The Roadmap will also be subject to periodic monitoring and review, considering developments in Timor-Leste’s commitments within ASEAN, the decisions of its competent bodies and national priorities.
With this decision, the Government aims to ensure a coordinated and coherent national approach to fulfilling the economic commitments undertaken within the framework of ASEAN and to deepen Timor-Leste’s participation in the ASEAN Economic Community.
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The Council of Ministers approved four draft Law Proposals, presented by the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, to amend electoral legislation and the electoral register, update and harmonise electoral procedures, modernise the voter registration system, and facilitate the exercise of the right to vote.
The approved proposals cover the second amendment to Law No. 22/2021 of November 4th, the Municipal Electoral Law; the second amendment to Law No. 6/2016 of May 25th, the Electoral Register Law; the sixth amendment to Law No. 6/2006 of December 28th, the Electoral Law for the National Parliament; and the seventh amendment to Law No. 7/2006 of December 28th, the Electoral Law for the Presidency of the Republic.
The main measures proposed include improving access to the electoral process for people with disabilities, notably by introducing Braille ballot papers, supporting voters with mobility difficulties, and providing assisted voting, where provided for by law. The law also extends voting hours abroad for elections to the President of the Republic and the National Parliament until 8.00 pm, to facilitate the participation of Timorese citizens living in the diaspora.
In the context of voter registration, the amendments aim to consolidate the digitisation of the system by establishing the use of electronic forms, recording biometric data, including the voter’s fingerprint and photograph, and introducing new security features on voter cards, namely a QR code. Provision is also made for the establishment of electoral registration committees in countries where Timor-Leste has no diplomatic representation, comprising two Timorese citizens of proven integrity residing in the respective country.
The proposals also include updating the requirements for submitting candidacies, adjusting the number of certain electoral officials to match the number of registered voters at polling centres and polling stations, and other amendments to improve the organisation of electoral processes. In municipal elections, candidacies for President and Vice-President submitted by groups of citizens must continue to have the support of at least 5 per cent of registered voters in the respective municipality. They must now include at least 50 proposers from each sub-unit comprising that municipality.
These amendments aim to modernise and harmonise the electoral framework, make voting and voter registration more accessible, and align the legislation with technological developments and the experience gained from conducting electoral processes in Timor-Leste.
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Following proposals from the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Council of Ministers decided to approve the theme “51 Years of History – Consolidating Stability and Promoting Sustainable Development” for the celebrations marking the 51st anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste’s Unilateral Proclamation of Independence.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, on the scheme for the extraordinary promotion of staff in the public administration’s healthcare professions for 2026.
This legislation builds on the 2025 extraordinary promotion scheme and establishes 1,874 posts to promote healthcare professionals who were not promoted last year. The scheme covers doctors, nurses, midwives and diagnostic, therapeutic and public health technicians. The promotions will take effect from July 1st, 2026.
With this measure, the government aims to enhance recognition and motivation among healthcare professionals, promote career progression, and strengthen the National Health Service.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Law Proposal for the first amendment to Law No. 15/2017 of August 23rd, the Private Investment Law, to strengthen the conditions for attracting large-scale investment and reinvestment projects of strategic interest to Timor-Leste’s development.
The proposal retains the general scheme for granting tax benefits and customs incentives and introduces a specific scheme for investment or reinvestment projects deemed to be of major national interest, within the framework of the Strategic Development Plan. For these projects, benefits may be granted for 25 years, renewable for an equal period, subject to recognition by Government Resolution, considering the scale or nature of the investment and its economic, social, environmental, or technological impact.
The legislation also clarifies and expands the framework for special investment agreements, setting out in greater detail the conditions for their conclusion and investors’ commitments, particularly regarding the creation of jobs for Timorese workers and their vocational training, the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers, environmental protection, and support for local communities.
Guarantees of legal and fiscal stability are also established in relation to the benefits granted, without prejudice to the application of rules in the public interest. Mechanisms for monitoring and supervising projects are strengthened, as are the consequences in the event of non-compliance, including the possibility of terminating the agreement and forfeiting the benefits granted.
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Following the draft presented by the Minister for Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers resolved to approve a temporary adjustment to the reference unit prices for petroleum products and cement used in the execution of public works, taking into account the rise in the costs of these materials on national and international markets, linked to armed conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
The decision stipulates that the National Development Agency (ADN, IP) shall update the reference prices to US$1.65 per litre of fuel, US$5 per bag of cement, and US$1.25 per kilogramme of bituminous material.
The measure aims to align the costs of public works with market realities, prevent projects from being put on hold, and ensure the continuity and quality of public infrastructure construction. The ADN is also responsible for regularly monitoring price trends and making the necessary adjustments to protect the interests of the State and the public corporations involved.
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Lastly, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, presented to the Council of Ministers the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation to strengthen Timor-Leste’s institutional capacities in this area by sharing knowledge and experience, training technical staff, and exchanging specialist personnel. It also provides for cooperation in developing policies and legislation, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting their economic use, including the commercialisation of products and innovations. END
On October 16th, 2026, the Government marked World Food Day at a ceremony in Dili, organised by the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security and Sovereignty of Timor-Leste (CONSSAN-TL) in collaboration with relevant ministries, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and development partners. The celebration highlighted investment in innovation, increased and diversified local food production, and improvements in food and nutrition security.
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and President of CONSSAN-TL, Mariano Assanami Sabino, chaired the ceremony. The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz; the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Funmi Balogun; and representatives of public institutions, international organisations, development partners, farmers, and communities also attended.
Under the global theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow” and the national theme “Investing in Innovation to Ensure Food and Nutrition Security”, celebrations focused on identifying solutions to increase local food production, improve dietary quality, and facilitate families’ access to a diverse range of nutritious foods.
CONSSAN-TL is the interministerial body responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies on food and nutrition security and sovereignty.
In his address, Mariano Assanami Sabino highlighted the challenges Timor-Leste continues to face in relation to agricultural productivity, the effects of climate change, post-harvest losses, the diversity of available food, and producers’ access to technology and markets.
The Vice Prime Minister called for investment in quality seeds, efficient irrigation systems, appropriate technologies, scientific research, and technical training for producers. He emphasised the need to improve rural extension services and to develop infrastructure for storing and processing agricultural products. He also highlighted the importance of facilitating access to financing, knowledge, and market opportunities for farmers, fishers, women, and young people.
Mariano Assanami Sabino further stressed that innovation should integrate traditional community knowledge with new technologies and sustainable practices to increase productivity, protect natural resources, and strengthen the capacity to respond to the effects of climate change.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, emphasised that innovation is not limited to adopting new technologies or equipment. It also involves improving cultivation techniques, livestock rearing, fisheries and aquaculture, water and soil management, local product storage and processing, and links between producers and markets.
The Minister also emphasised the need to reduce post-harvest losses and to promote solutions tailored to the needs of farmers, livestock breeders, and fishers. These solutions should combine local knowledge, good practices developed within communities, and applied research.
The celebrations included a National Fair held on October 15th and 16th, featuring participation from farmers across several municipalities, public institutions, United Nations agencies, and development partners. The exhibition showcased agricultural products, traditional foods, and food-processing initiatives, highlighting the diversity of national production.
The programme also included the launch of the World Food Forum Youth Chapter in Timor-Leste and panel discussions on food production, investment, and nutrition, including a dedicated session on innovation in local food production and market access.
World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16th, marking the FAO’s founding in 1945. In Timor-Leste, the 2026 celebrations were part of CONSSAN-TL’s initiatives to promote coordination among public institutions, municipalities, producers, and development partners on food and nutrition security.
On October 15th, 2026, the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Acting Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Mariano Assanami Sabino, attended the launch of new degree programmes and the Departments of History and Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities (FFCH – acronym in Portuguese) of the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL – acronym in Portuguese). The ceremony was held in the Ian Martin Hall at INFORDEPE (acronym in Portuguese) in Dili as part of the Faculty’s 11th-anniversary celebrations.
The new programmes expand the Faculty’s academic offerings, which for a long time centred on philosophy. The expansion into History and Psychology creates new opportunities for specialised training and for scientific research.
During the ceremony, the Vice Prime Minister congratulated UNTL and the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities on establishing the two new degree programmes and reaffirmed the Government’s support for improving the quality of higher education and for strengthening academic integration within ASEAN.
This approach is part of the 9th Constitutional Government’s programme, which prioritises human capital development by improving the quality of and access to education to foster national social and economic development.
In his remarks, Mariano Assanami Sabino also highlighted the role of History education in shaping future generations, noting that historical knowledge helps us understand our origins, strengthens our identity, and charts a course for the future.
The Rector of UNTL, Joviano António da Costa, emphasised that developing the History and Psychology departments creates new opportunities for specialised training and research, aligned with lecturers’ qualifications and curricula tailored to Timor-Leste’s needs.
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, Faustino Soares, noted that the launch of the new programmes expands the Faculty’s academic offerings and strengthens the humanities’ presence in higher education in Timor-Leste.
The ceremony was also attended by the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa; UNESCO representatives in Timor-Leste; UNTL officials; representatives from partner institutions; and faculty members, researchers, staff, and students.
On the same occasion, UNTL and the Centro Nacional Chega! signed a cooperation agreement covering curriculum development, teaching resources, and joint research, with a focus on the new History and Psychology programmes.
The cooperation provides, among other areas, support for the Department of History within the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities to integrate content on history, human rights, transitional justice, and peace education into teaching and learning processes.
With the launch of the Departments of History and Psychology, the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities broadens its academic offerings in the humanities.
On October 16th, 2026, the Minister of Health, Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, inaugurated the new Ariana Health Clinic in the village (suco) of Uato-Haco, Venilale Administrative Post, Baucau Municipality, to bring healthcare closer to local communities, particularly those living farthest from health facilities.
The new infrastructure comprises a health clinic equipped with medical and non-medical supplies, alongside a residence for health professionals, ensuring their continued presence in the area of intervention and facilitating the provision of care to the population.
The Ariana Health Clinic is staffed by nine health professionals and is expected to provide care to the local population, including follow-up for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, as well as to develop integrated and community-based health outreach activities.
The opening of this facility aligns with the objectives set out in the 9th Constitutional Government’s Programme for primary health care, which aims to expand access to health services—particularly in remote areas—and sets a target for sucos with populations of 1,500 to 2,000 residents to have access to a health clinic offering a comprehensive range of services.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Health called on the professionals assigned to the new unit to ensure high-quality care for the population and to carry out community initiatives, including support for individuals facing the greatest difficulties in travelling to the health clinic.
The Minister also asked community authorities to inform and advise residents to seek medical assistance early in the illness, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
The President of the Baucau Municipal Authority, Veneranda Eurico Lemos Martins, highlighted the reduced distance local residents now have to travel for healthcare and urged the community to help preserve the new facilities.
The Minister of Health further noted the country’s recent progress in preventing and eliminating communicable diseases. In July 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified Timor-Leste as a malaria-free country, following the interruption of indigenous transmission for at least three consecutive years. In September 2026, the WHO also validated the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in the country.
On preventing non-communicable diseases, the Minister encouraged the population to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including regular physical activity.
The Government, through the Ministry of Health, plans to continue improving health infrastructure in Baucau Municipality by opening additional health units and rehabilitating the Riamari Maternity Hospital. Announced interventions include the health clinics in Uacala and Baguia, and the Baucau Vila Health Centre.
The President of the Baucau Municipal Authority, representatives of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Ministry of Health officials, local authorities, religious leaders, health professionals, students, and community members attended the ceremony.
On October 16th, 2026, at the Dili Convention Centre, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão took part in celebrations marking the 4th National Press Freedom Day, reaffirming the 9th Constitutional Government’s commitment to press and expression freedoms while highlighting responsibility, professional ethics, and fact-checking as core principles of journalism.
This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “Mídia Livre, Demokrasia Metin” (Free Press, Strong Democracy), were organised with the participation of the Secretariat of State for Social Communication, the Press Council, and journalists’ associations. They featured exhibitions, debates, the Freedom March, and the presentation of the National Journalism Awards.
In his remarks, the Head of Government emphasised the media’s role in informing citizens, monitoring public institutions, and contributing to democratic life.
“The Government must accept questions and fact-based criticism. Constructive criticism can help the Government improve its work and respond to the population’s needs. At the same time, journalists must verify information, uphold professional ethics, and report the news with rigour,” stated the Prime Minister.
Xanana Gusmão also addressed the transformations brought by digital technologies, social media, and Artificial Intelligence in how information is gathered and shared. While these technologies create new opportunities for research and data analysis, they also heighten the risk of fake news, manipulated videos, and AI-generated content designed to mislead the public.
“Therefore, journalists should not prioritise speed alone but give precedence to credibility and responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Minister argued that while Artificial Intelligence can support journalism, it cannot replace fact-checking or professional judgement. He further emphasised the need for cooperation among the Government, the Secretariat of State for Social Communication, the Press Council, media outlets, journalists’ organisations, educational institutions, and civil society to combat disinformation.
In this regard, he emphasised public institutions’ responsibility to provide official information clearly and promptly, ensuring that efforts to combat disinformation do not restrict freedom of expression or criticism of government action.
“Public institutions must ensure clear and prompt access to official information. However, combating fake news does not mean silencing people or limiting criticism of the Government,” he stated.
During the event, the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, also highlighted the relationship between freedom and responsibility in journalism, advocating the ethical and responsible use of new technologies by media professionals.
The commemorative programme began on October 15th with the opening of the Freedom Fair, which showcased photographs and documentation of the work and contributions of former journalists and media professionals during the national liberation struggle. On October 16th, activities included panel discussions on journalist safety and the challenges of Artificial Intelligence, a Mass at Motael Church, a tribute to deceased journalists, the Freedom March, and the presentation of the National Journalism Awards.
National Press Freedom Day was established by the National Parliament in 2022 and is observed annually on October 16th, commemorating the five journalists (Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart, Gary Cunningham, Brian Peters, and Malcolm Rennie) killed in Balibo on October 16th, 1975.
This year’s commemorations thus marked the 4th National Press Freedom Day and the 51st anniversary of the deaths of the five Balibo journalists.
On October 15th, 2026, the Government of Timor-Leste met in Jakarta with Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Industrial Development, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, who also serves as Executive Head of the investment management agency Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara). The meeting aimed to assess progress on the expansion project at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and to strengthen coordination with Indonesia to accelerate work by the Indonesian state-owned enterprise Waskita Karya, with a view to completion by 2028.
The Timorese delegation was led by Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, and the Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, Augusto Júnior Trindade.
During the meeting, the Timorese Government expressed concern about the pace of work on the ground and requested support from the Indonesian authorities to accelerate construction. Rosan Perkasa Roeslani indicated Indonesia’s readiness to support Waskita Karya in meeting the established schedule.
Danantara is the Indonesian state agency responsible for managing state investments and equity stakes in public enterprises. Waskita Karya is part of this corporate structure through PT Danantara Asset Management, which holds a majority stake in Waskita Karya. This institutional relationship formed the basis for the Government of Timor-Leste’s approach to Danantara to strengthen oversight of the project’s execution.
The meeting continued the Government’s ongoing monitoring of the project. In August this year, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and Miguel Manetelu met in Dili with representatives of Waskita Karya, the Administration of Airports and Air Navigation of Timor-Leste (ANATL, E.P.), and the project management team to assess construction progress and execution challenges.
Waskita Karya is responsible for the runway expansion and the construction of associated airport infrastructure under a design-and-build contract valued at approximately US$72.5 million, as part of a project supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The interventions are part of the broader development and modernisation programme for Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, which encompasses various components supported by development partners, including the construction of a new passenger terminal.
The project aims to expand capacity and improve operational conditions at the country’s main international airport, amid growing air connectivity and Timor-Leste’s ongoing preparations to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
The Government will continue to monitor the implementation of the project’s various components and coordinate with the partners involved to ensure adherence to their respective implementation schedules.
On October 15th, 2026, in Jakarta, the Governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia signed a Bilateral Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, establishing a framework to promote, facilitate, and protect investment between the two countries.
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, signed the agreement.
The signing fulfils a commitment made by the two Governments in 2023. Formal negotiations began in November 2024, and the legal review of the text was completed in August 2025.
At its October 7th, 2026, meeting, the Council of Ministers reviewed the agreement, which aims to create more favourable conditions for investment between the two countries by establishing a framework for investment protection and treatment, streamlining procedures, and providing mechanisms for resolving potential disputes.
The agreement rests on three main pillars: promotion to foster a favourable investment environment; facilitation through greater transparency, procedural efficiency, and inter-party cooperation; and protection through rules governing investment treatment and legal certainty.
The instrument also provides for the exchange of information on investment opportunities and for strengthening ties between the private sectors of both nations. Key sectors identified for further cooperation include manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and digital technologies.
Indonesia is Timor-Leste’s primary trading partner among ASEAN Member States. In 2025, bilateral trade reached US$423.63 million, accounting for approximately US$273.86 million.
The signing took place during the Timorese delegation’s visit to Indonesia for the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia, held from October 14th to 18th. On the sidelines of the event, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay met Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, to discuss diversifying bilateral trade, expanding market access, and cooperation between business operators from both countries.
The Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, Augusto Júnior Trindade, also met Indonesia’s Vice-Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti, to discuss opportunities to increase trade flows and promote products from both nations, including Timorese coffee and cloves.
The signing ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu; the Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, Augusto Júnior Trindade; and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN.
The agreement establishes a new bilateral framework to promote, facilitate, and protect investment, and to develop economic cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.