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 September 2nd, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and opened the meeting with a presentation by the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, and the National Development Agency (ADN). The Council was briefed on the results of an analysis of the costs of renting heavy equipment and fuel, and on their impact on infrastructure projects.

The analysis compares the reference costs currently in use with figures derived from the most recent data. It assesses how rising heavy equipment rental and fuel prices affect the execution of construction projects, particularly in the highway sector. The results suggest a possible need to update the respective reference prices to reflect the increase in construction costs.

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The Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, also gave a presentation on the 2027–2030 Medium-Term Plan, which will set out the main priorities and development goals for the next four years of government and will correspond to the final phase of implementation of the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan.

The Plan aims to accelerate national economic and social development, with a particular focus on diversifying the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure and public services, developing human capital, and strengthening institutions, to reduce dependence on oil revenues and create the conditions for more sustainable economic growth.

The proposal outlines ten national strategic priorities, including reform of land ownership and registration, access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, the development of the blue economy and tourism, improved logistics and connections between production areas and markets, increased agricultural productivity and irrigated areas, strengthened vocational training, improved electricity and water supply to economic zones, and better conditions for private investment.

The Plan also sets specific targets and indicators to track results by 2030, with regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enable the government to track the implementation of the defined priorities and adjust its actions as needed.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and the Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, regarding the special public procurement regime applicable to Timor-Leste’s preparation for and exercise of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

The draft decree-law establishes an exceptional, temporary framework to expedite contracting for construction or infrastructure rehabilitation projects in the municipality of Dili that are necessary for the preparation of the ASEAN Chairmanship, as well as the goods and services directly associated with the preparation, execution, supervision, and completion of these projects. The framework specifically covers the construction of the Convention Centre, which must be fully operational in time for the ASEAN Chairmanship preparation schedule.

The draft decree-law also grants the Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism — regardless of the value of the contracts — the authority to carry out the administrative and financial acts necessary for contracting, including authorising expenditure, initiating procedures, approving the award of contracts, and entering into contracts on behalf of the State. The contracting authority’s procurement services handle the procedures, and the National Procurement Commission and the National Development Agency may provide technical support when requested. The Chamber of Accounts’ prior oversight remains in effect for contracts valued at more than US$5 million.

This framework will remain in effect until December 31^st, 2029, and aims to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place by the established deadlines, enabling Timor-Leste to host the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

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Following recent acts of vandalism against public electricity infrastructure, the Council of Ministers decided to instruct the Minister of the Interior to coordinate the necessary efforts to strengthen policing around this infrastructure and to work with the Ministry of Public Works to adopt measures to enhance the protection of the relevant equipment, with a view to preventing further incidents and safeguarding the operation and safety of public electricity infrastructure.

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The Council of Ministers approved two draft resolutions of the National Parliament, submitted by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, on the approval of visa waiver agreements with Vietnam and Vanuatu.

The first agreement, signed in Hanoi on June 9^th, 2026, establishes a visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports from Timor-Leste and Vietnam, with the aim of facilitating the entry, transit, and stay of citizens of both countries for tourism and contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations.

The second agreement, signed in Port Vila on July 22^nd, 2026, establishes a mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, to facilitate travel on official business between the two countries and to strengthen bilateral cooperation. END

Meeting of the Council of Ministers

Government launches new system to monitor measures to tackle malnutrition and stunting

Government launches construction of the new Lautém Municipal Market

Timor-Leste Participates for the First Time in the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong

Timor-Leste is participating, for the first time, in the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong through the screening of three short films dedicated to the country’s intangible cultural heritage. The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, attended a ceremony held as part of the Festival on August 28th, 2026, where he highlighted the opportunity to promote Timorese culture, identity, and creativity to an international audience.

The fourth edition of the ASEAN Film Festival takes place from August 20th to September 27th, 2026, featuring over 30 films from the 11 ASEAN Member States, as well as productions from other countries and territories. This year’s edition marks Timor-Leste’s first participation in the Festival.

In his address, the Vice Prime Minister thanked the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation and the Festival organisers for the invitation extended to Timor-Leste and for the opportunity to share the nation’s culture with the ASEAN community and the international public.

“For Timor-Leste, this is a very special moment. I am proud to be here alongside highly talented Timorese individuals, who demonstrate that, despite being a small nation, we possess creativity, talent, and stories to share with the world,” stated Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.

Timor-Leste’s participation includes the presentation of the collection “Intangible Cultural Heritage: Short Films from Timor-Leste”, comprising three short films produced in 2024: “The Rise of Genre Tebe-Tebe”, by Domingos Flaviano Belo Correia Freitas; “Babadok Instrument Production”, by Silvano Rodrigues Xavier; and “Traditional Knowledge of Uma Lulik and Its Cultural Sites”, by Grazela Maria Albino.

The three productions showcase different dimensions of Timor-Leste’s intangible cultural heritage, through Tebe-Tebe, the handcrafted production of the Babadok musical instrument, and the cultural knowledge and practices associated with Uma Lulik (traditional Timorese sacred houses). The short films were produced with the support of UNESCO and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP).

In his address, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay highlighted the role of cinema and culture in promoting Timor-Leste’s identity and reality by conveying the country’s stories, memories, traditions, and values.

“Preserving our culture is essential because it reminds us of what we have been through and the legacy our ancestors left for our identity and for future generations,” he stated.

The Vice Prime Minister also thanked Timorese artists, filmmakers, cultural actors, and young people for their contribution to promoting the arts and culture of Timor-Leste, stating that “together, we have written another chapter in our country’s history”.

Organised by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, the ASEAN Film Festival is a non-profit initiative designed to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures through film. The 2026 edition features free screenings across various venues in Hong Kong, as well as meetings with directors and other film industry professionals.

Timor-Leste’s participation in this edition of the Festival expands the presence of Timorese culture and audiovisual production in the regional arena, within the context of the country’s participation as an ASEAN Member State.

Prime Minister Undertakes Working Visit to Indonesia for Fourth Round of Maritime Boundary Negotiations

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão began a working visit to Indonesia on August 29th, 2026, which will include the fourth round of formal negotiations on the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, to be held on September 1st, 2026, in Jakarta.

Negotiations between the two countries began in August 2025 in Dili, with the establishment of the guiding principles for the process. The second round was held in December 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and the third took place in April this year in Singapore.

The delimitation of the maritime boundary with Indonesia forms part of the process of permanently defining Timor-Leste’s borders, following the conclusion, in 2018, of the Treaty between Timor-Leste and Australia establishing their respective maritime boundaries in the Timor Sea.

The fourth round of negotiations will take place on September 1st, 2026, in Jakarta, with the participation of delegations from Timor-Leste and Indonesia. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister and Executive Director of the Land and Maritime Borders Office, Elizabeth Exposto.

Before travelling to Jakarta, while in Bali, the Prime Minister visited the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) in Sanur on August 29th, 2026, where he learned about programmes developed in the areas of marine conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable management of marine resources.

During the visit, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão highlighted the shared responsibility of countries in the region to protect marine ecosystems. “The sea has no borders. The corals living in Timor-Leste’s waters are connected to the marine ecosystems of the entire region. Therefore, our responsibility is also shared,” stated the Prime Minister.

The Head of Government also advocated for coordination between marine conservation, the development of coastal communities, and the blue economy, through cooperation in the areas of science, research, training, the management of marine protected areas, and community participation.

Also on August 29th, 2026, the Prime Minister received, at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, the mortal remains of Bishop Jaime Garcia Goulart, Bishop José Joaquim Ribeiro, and Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes, as part of the repatriation process from Portugal to Timor-Leste, organised by the Government in collaboration with the Catholic Church.

On the occasion, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão thanked the Indonesian customs authorities, particularly the team in Bali, for their cooperation in the repatriation process.

The following day, August 30th, 2026, the Prime Minister attended a Mass in honour of the three prelates, held at Rumah Duka Mumbul in Denpasar and presided over by the Bishop of Denpasar, Bishop Silvester Tung Kiem San, with the participation of the Timorese community residing in Bali.

The itinerary for the working visit continues in Jakarta, where the delegations of Timor-Leste and Indonesia are scheduled to hold, on September 1st, 2026, the fourth round of formal negotiations on the maritime boundary. The Prime Minister will also attend a lunch hosted by Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, and a conference organised by Hasanuddin University.

The Prime Minister and the national delegation are scheduled to return to Timor-Leste on September 7th, 2026.

Timor-Leste Marks the 27th Anniversary of the Popular Consultation of August 30th, 1999

Timor-Leste marked the 27th anniversary of the Popular Consultation of August 30th, 1999, with a commemorative programme held from August 28th to 30th, 2026, in the municipality of Manatuto, which brought together members of the Government, local authorities, representatives of State institutions, and local communities.

The celebrations commemorated the process that enabled the Timorese people to exercise their right to self-determination through the Popular Consultation organised by the United Nations on August 30th, 1999. On that day, 78.5% of voters rejected the proposal for special autonomy within Indonesia, paving the way for the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence on May 20th, 2002.

The programme began on August 28th with a general clean-up effort in Manatuto.

On August 29th, a Thanksgiving Mass was held at the Parish Church of Santo António de Manatuto, presided over by Father Mário Cabral, with members of the Government, local authorities, and community representatives in attendance.

Following the religious service, a national reflection session on the country’s historical journey and future challenges was held in the “Ulfa Ikero” Hall.

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, delivered a lecture titled “27 Years: Development Built from the Ashes”, in which he addressed the process leading up to the Popular Consultation, the period of the United Nations Transitional Administration, and the early years of independence, as well as the process of stabilisation, state-building, and national development. In his address, the Minister highlighted August 30th, 1999, as an “example of courage of an entire nation”.

The session also featured remarks by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, on the constitutional mandate and the process of developing local government in the municipalities, and by the Executive Director of the Chega! National Centre, Hugo Fernandes, on the contribution of history and memory to shaping the nation’s future.

The celebrations continued on August 30th with a march from Manatuto Bridge to the site of the celebrations, followed by a community gathering and entertainment activities.

Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit and Invest Timor-Leste Business Forum 2026

Timor-Leste Government, Australian Government and Property Council NT partner to drive investment and trade between Timor-Leste and Australia

The Governments of Timor-Leste and Australia, along with the Property Council of Australia NT, have announced a partnership to deliver a four-day business program in Dili from 27 to 30 October, connecting Australian and Timorese business and government.

The combined program will be known as the Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit and Invest Timor-Leste 2026.

Invest Timor-Leste 2026 is supported by the Australian Government, in partnership with Timor-Leste’s Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, TradeInvest Timor-Leste, and the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Property Council spearheads the Business & Investment Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, with market briefings, senior industry speakers and site visits to businesses operating in Dili. Invest Timor-Leste opens with the Gala Dinner on Wednesday evening and the Invest Timor-Leste Business Forum on Thursday.

The Invest Timor-Leste Business Forum will bring Australian delegates together with Timorese companies through structured business to business matchmaking, and with Timorese government counterparts to discuss future opportunities and the enabling environment.

The program opens almost a year to the day after Timor-Leste joined ASEAN on 26 October 2025. Timor-Leste will chair ASEAN in 2029.

Property Council NT Executive Director Ruth Palmer said the program was built for outcomes.

“This is not a talkfest. This is about bringing the right people into the room to create real connections, real partnerships and real commercial outcomes,” Ms Palmer said.

“Northern Australia and Timor-Leste share geography, history and opportunity. This conference is about turning that proximity into practical partnerships.”

Timor-Leste’s Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, said the program reflected Timor-Leste’s investment priorities.

“Timor-Leste is open for business. Our accession to ASEAN has widened our market and strengthened confidence in our economy, and in 2029 we will chair ASEAN. Australia is our trusted, close neighbour and a natural partner in tourism, agriculture and energy. We welcome this delegation to Dili, and we welcome serious partners.”

Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson said the partnership reflected a maturing commercial relationship.

“Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours and close partners, and the commercial side of that relationship is growing. The Australian Government is pleased to support Invest Timor-Leste 2026. Bringing businesses together, with support from both governments, is one way that lasting commercial relationships are built.”

Timorese businesses taking part in the Invest Timor-Leste Business Forum and matchmaking are being engaged with the support of the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry and TradeInvest Timor-Leste, and will be supported through a readiness program ahead of October.

Australian businesses interested in attending, partnering or sponsoring are encouraged to contact the Property Council of Australia NT.

EVENT

Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit and Invest Timor-Leste Business Forum 2026

DATES
27 to 30 October 2026

LOCATION
Dili, Timor-Leste

REGISTRATIONS

Australian businesses can register for the Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit via the Property Council of Australia website.

The Invest Timor-Leste Business Forum is invite-only, however interest can be registered via email to InvestTL@prosivu.tl.

Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future

View the full programme at the following link: https://economiaazul.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/OceanX-TL-Symposium-Concept-Note-and-Agenda-21082026-Final.pdf

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The Government of Timor-Leste and OceanX, a global nonprofit ocean exploration initiative, will convene the Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future on Friday, 28 August 2026, at the Dili Convention Centre.

The symposium will bring together government institutions, scientists, researchers and national and international partners to translate new scientific knowledge about Timor-Leste’s marine environment into practical action for sustainable Blue Economy development.

The symposium will focus on the preliminary findings and data from OceanX’s scientific mission to Timor-Leste in November 2025, with discussions centred on marine conservation, fisheries management, sustainable tourism and future marine research.

OceanX’s scientific mission was carried out in partnership with the Government and national and international partners. The mission generated important scientific results, including seafloor mapping, biodiversity observations, specimen collections and other marine datasets, as well as stunning imagery of what lies beneath Timorese waters.

The findings deepen Timor-Leste’s understanding of its marine environment and strengthen the scientific evidence to support national decision-making, including the protection of marine biodiversity and coral reefs, establishment of the Ataúro National Park and marine spatial planning.

At the heart of the symposium is a central question: How can the scientific outputs from the OceanX Timor-Leste 2025 mission support national decision-making, advance the Blue Economy and shape future marine research priorities?

The symposium will help strengthen national capacity to conduct, interpret and apply marine science, while expanding opportunities for Timorese scientists, students and officials to participate in marine research.