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“Archive Policies as a Source of Memory and Hope” Speech by H. E. the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira Dili, 9 June 2026

The Government of Timor-Leste on June 5th 2026 officially launched the Timor-Leste Blue Economy Website, a new national platform that will serve as the central source of information on the country’s ocean, maritime sectors, policies, research and sustainable development initiatives. 

The new online platform has been developed to support the implementation of the Government’s Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Blue Economy in Timor-Leste (2025–2035).

Launched by His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão during the inaugural National Day of the Sea marked annually on 5 July, the website reflects the IX Government’s commitment to building a prosperous future based on the sustainable use of marine resources.

“With the official launch of the Blue Economy Website, we are taking another concrete step towards transforming our marine and maritime wealth into sustainable development for all Timorese people,” emphasised Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in his speech during the launch ceremony.

The website brings together information on Timor-Leste’s maritime space and aims to support policymaking, improve public access to information, strengthen cooperation between stakeholders, and promote greater understanding of the country’s ocean resources.

The Prime Minister emphasised that while Timor-Leste is blessed with rich marine biodiversity, fisheries, marine tourism potential and other natural resources, sustainable development will depend on their responsible management.

Through sections dedicated to ocean knowledge, marine conservation, sustainable livelihoods and integrated ocean governance, the platform will help promote ocean literacy, support investment planning, encourage research and innovation, and create opportunities for young people, women and coastal communities.

Prime Minister Gusmão also highlighted the importance of ensuring that national ocean policies and actions are communicated effectively to the public.

Prime Minister Gusmão concluded by inviting all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the Blue Economy becomes a driver of inclusive and environmentally sustainable development for current and future generations.

 

Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy Website can be accessed at – economiaazul.gov.tl

 

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

The Government of Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Philippines Following the Earthquake That Struck Mindanao

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deep solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of the Philippines following today’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake on the island of Mindanao, which has resulted in fatalities, injuries, significant damage to infrastructure, and the evacuation of communities due to the risk of a tsunami.

At this time of great difficulty, Timor-Leste extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. The Timorese Government is closely monitoring the situation with concern and acknowledges the work of the Philippine authorities, emergency services, and the rescue teams mobilised to assist the affected communities.

The earthquake triggered building collapses, power outages, and tsunami warnings across several coastal areas of the Philippines and other countries in the region. Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate response and recovery efforts.

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, said, “At this time of grief for the Filipino people, Timor-Leste expresses its solidarity with the Philippines, a long-standing friend and partner within ASEAN. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured and to the communities affected by this tragedy.” END

The Government of Timor-Leste is pleased to announce the program for National Ocean Week 2026, encompassing nationwide celebrations promoting ocean conservation, marine education, sustainable development and the Blue Economy. The week-long program will culminate on World Ocean Day, 8 June 2026, and bring together government institutions, schools, civil society, private sector, faith-based organisations, and communities across the country.

The celebrations will begin on 3 June 2026 with the opening of a Blue Economy photography exhibition along the waterfront in front of the Government Palace in Dili, showcasing the importance of the ocean to Timor-Leste’s identity, culture and future prosperity. This activity is organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. 

National Day of the Sea – 5 June 2026

The central celebration will take place in Dili on Friday, 5 June, beginning with the Ocean Parade that runs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to Largo Lecidere. Students, youth representatives from various municipalities, government agencies, civil society organisations and community groups will participate in a public demonstration of commitment to ocean stewardship. The Ocean Parade is organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment under the leadership of H.E. Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay

Organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ocean Gastronomic Festival 2026 will open at Largo Lecidere and continue throughout the weekend, showcasing the many opportunities the ocean provides to support and improve livelihoods in Timor-Leste, along with entertainment and cultural performances by community groups.

On this special national day, the Blue Economy Website will be officially launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the website offers a new platform for information-sharing, innovation and collaboration in support of Timor-Leste’s sustainable ocean economy.

Schools across the country will also participate in the “Tara Bandu of the Ocean” Ceremony and the Students’ Ecological Oath, encouraging environmental responsibility among young Timorese. This activity is organised by the Ministry of Education.

Community, Tourism and Faith Activities – 6 – 7 June

On 6 June, families and community members will be invited to participate in a Sandcastle Competition and a Turtle Release Activity at Cristo Rei, Dili. This activity is organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

On 7 June, activities will include a Thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, recognising the nation’s shared responsibility to protect the marine environment. A Marine Tourism Fair at Timor Plaza will showcase Timor-Leste’s sustainable tourism opportunities, followed by the Blue Economy’s Marine Tourism Fair on the same day at Timor Plaza Dili, featuring entertainment and stalls from stakeholders and local entrepreneurs engaged in the marine tourism sector in Timor-Leste. These activities are also organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

Additional Ocean Week activities will take place in Ataúro, Lautém and other municipalities, including beach cleans-up, church services, student quiz competitions and public speaking events focused on marine conservation and sustainability.

World Ocean Day – 8 June 2026

National Sea Day and Ocean Week 2026 will conclude on World Ocean Day 8 June, with an Underwater Clean-Up Activity in Liquiça, organised by Dreamers Dive Academy and private sector partners. The initiative aims to promote marine conservation and encourage active citizen participation in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

Nationwide School Program

From 5–8 June, schools across the country will participate in educational activities including the Tara Bandu of the Ocean, Students’ Ecological Oath, Blue Week in Schools, Blue Reading Time, national drawing and painting competitions, educational video competitions, scientific experiments on water and pollution, and the launch of the Jerasaun Azul Timor-Leste competition for secondary school students.

All activities are open to the public and schools, youth, local authorities, civil society, development partners, private sector and the general public, are welcome to participate.

Ocean Week 2026 reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening ocean literacy, promoting sustainable marine resource management, and advancing a resilient Blue Economy for current and future generations.

The Government of Timor-Leste invites all citizens and residents to actively participate in World Ocean Week 2025 to raise awareness, take collective action and celebrate the country’s unique marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

 

 

 

 

 

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, welcomed Stefania Dina, the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Resident Representative in Timor-Leste, today, June 5^th, 2026, at the Government Palace, during a courtesy visit marking the end of her three-year assignment in Timor-Leste. Also present at the meeting was Michael Joseph Walsh, ADB’s Operations Manager in Timor-Leste, who will temporarily coordinate the institution’s operations in the country until a new Resident Representative is appointed. 

During the meeting, Stefania Dina thanked the Government for its cooperation and support throughout her term. She reviewed the ADB’s work in Timor-Leste over the past three years, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to continuing to support national development priorities.

Minister Agio Pereira discussed Timor-Leste’s journey from the restoration of independence to the present, highlighting the challenges faced and the progress made in strengthening State institutions. He also emphasised the need to continue investing in strategic infrastructure and to ensure the sustainable and rigorous planning of public resources, while addressing the challenges associated with regional integration, the geopolitical context, and national development priorities in the coming years.

The meeting concluded with an expression of appreciation for the work carried out by Stefania Dina during her assignment in Timor-Leste and with a reaffirmation of both parties’ commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and the Asian Development Bank.

Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Grand Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, 5 June 2026