9.00 am, Government Palace

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, December 2^nd, 2025

Press Release

Government of Timor-Leste expresses solidarity with Asian countries affected by floods

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste expresses its deep solidarity with the peoples and governments of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as with other countries in Southeast Asia affected by the floods and landslides that have caused more than a thousand deaths, hundreds of missing persons, and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in recent days.

The floods and landslides impacting Southeast Asia are among the most catastrophic events in recent years. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing in several regions, while the search for missing persons continues. Indonesia, especially the island of Sumatra, has endured the highest number of casualties, with hundreds dead and missing, infrastructure destroyed, and communities isolated. In Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, authorities have declared states of emergency in various areas, where millions of people face severe losses, thousands are sheltered in temporary accommodation, and disruptions to access essential services, education, and livelihoods persist.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, “on behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste”, expresses his “deepest sympathies and solidarity to the people in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand suffering as a result of recent extreme tropical storms that have caused devastating floods and landslides”.

The Head of the Government also notes that “the loss of life and displacement of people is tragic and heartbreaking.  We are deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy, and the scenes of widespread flooding and displacement have been felt with great concern in Timor-Leste.”

The Government Spokesperson and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, states that “at this difficult time, our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we commend the commitment of all those who remain dedicated to searching for survivors and assisting the affected communities”.

The Government of Timor-Leste reaffirms its confidence “that with the strength and resilience of their people, these nations will recover and rebuild.  Timor-Leste stands in solidarity with our Asian sisters and brothers at this time of grief and recovery”. END

Last Friday, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence, declared on November 28^th, 1975, with a national programme of celebrations held across all municipalities of the country, in the Oe-cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA), and in the Ataúro Administrative Authority, involving various state entities and several members of the Government. 

In Dili, the main ceremony took place at the Government Palace, where independence was proclaimed in 1975. The solemn ceremony of raising the National Flag was presided over by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, and was attended by the President of the National Parliament, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Vice Prime Minister, members of the Government, former heads of sovereign bodies, representatives of the Defence and Security Forces, the diplomatic corps, and international guests, including the Vice President of the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic, Rodrigo Saraiva, as well as other foreign dignitaries.

The session started with a military parade and the raising of the national flag by secondary school students from various regions of the country. This was followed by the reading of the original text of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 1975, and a minute’s silence in honour of the Heroes of the Fatherland who gave their lives for freedom and national sovereignty.

In his speech, the President of the Republic emphasised the historical significance of the date and recalled the contribution of the generations who fought for independence, stating that “today we celebrate a date that is the very breath of our national identity: the 50th Anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste”. He also recalled the progress achieved in recent decades, highlighting the consolidation of democratic rule of law, improvements in health and education indicators, a significant reduction in mortality, and the responsible management of the Sovereign Fund. Additionally, he emphasised the path to reconciliation, the consolidation of maritime borders, and the commitment to a sustainable development model based on economic diversification, the blue economy, and renewable energy.

President Ramos-Horta also highlighted the strategic role played by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão in leading the liberation struggle: “He depoliticised FALINTIL, elevating it from a military arm to a national soul, transforming it into a force for all and by all”. He also stressed that “he was the strategist of the different fronts, in an epic journey that took us from the near-fatal defeats of 1977–1981 to the glorious night of May 20^th, 2002”, adding that “Xanana and Timor-Leste are like the Phoenix, which, from the smouldering ashes of destruction, is reborn with broader wings and a purer soul”.

In conclusion, he called for national unity, stating: “May this day reaffirm our commitment to freedom, unity, development, and the dignity of our people. May the example of our heroes inspire every Timorese to contribute, with hard work and determination, to building a prosperous, modern, and respected Timor-Leste”.

In the Special Administrative Region of Oe-cússe Ambeno, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presided over the solemn ceremony of raising the National Flag in Pante Makasar. Before representatives of the RAEOA administrative structure, civil and military authorities, and the local population, the Head of the Government recalled the historical sequence that led to the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence on November 28^th, 1975, emphasising the importance of the decisions taken at that time to assert Timor-Leste’s right to self-determination and to mobilise international support for the Timorese cause.

Addressing the citizens of RAEOA, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of the key figures from 1975 and urged the younger generations to learn about this history. He encouraged them to face current challenges with bravery, fostering social unity and regional development. The Minister of Public Works, the Vice Minister of Infrastructure, the Secretaries of State for Electricity and Water and Sanitation, representatives of local authorities, as well as citizens and representatives of partner entities, also attended the ceremony.

The 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence was also commemorated across all municipalities and at the Administrative Authority of Ataúro, with ceremonies to raise the National Flag, tributes to former combatants and martyrs of the liberation struggle, and civic and cultural events. Members of the Government travelled to the municipalities to take part in local ceremonies on behalf of the State, emphasising the national, inclusive, and decentralised character of the celebrations.

Alongside the main ceremony at the Government Palace, the commemorative programme in Dili also featured an Exhibition on the Development of Local Governance in Tasi Tolu, a Mass of Thankfulness at the Cathedral, the laying of flowers in honour of the Heroes of the Nation, and the opening of the exhibition “O Rosto da Proclamação e a Alma da Resistência” (The Face of the Proclamation and the Soul of the Resistance) at the Timorese Resistance Archive-Museum, initiatives that recalled the historical journey of the struggle for self-determination and the path to building the Timorese state.

The celebrations also took place at the National Parliament, with a solemn session held on November 27^th to mark the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Proclamation of Independence. On that occasion, with the participation of the Vice-President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, Rodrigo Saraiva, the parliamentary groups delivered messages reflecting on the sacrifice of the Timorese people during the resistance struggle, the progress made over the past 50 years, and the future challenges of national development, reaffirming the importance of independence and democracy in the country’s political life.

Under the motto “May the celebration of these 50 years of the past give us confidence in the present and hope for the future,” the programme for the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence reaffirmed the commitment of national institutions to preserving historical memory, strengthening democracy, promoting social justice, and building a future of peace and development for all the people of Timor-Leste.

Prime Minister

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, 27 November 2025

Press Release

Statement by H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on the tragedy in Hong Kong

The devastating fire in Hong Kong is a tragic and heartbreaking event.

Our hearts are with the families and friends of all who have lost their lives, and with those who remain missing.

We pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the firefighters, first responders, and all those working tirelessly in rescue and recovery efforts.

On behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste, I express our solidarity with the people of China at this terrible time. END

The Government of Timor-Leste took part in the 31st ASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting, held on November 20^th, 2025, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The event was chaired by Myanmar’s Prime Minister, U Nyo Saw, who opened the session. The meeting was also attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, transport ministers from member states, and representatives of dialogue partners. 

In his opening speech, Prime Minister U Nyo Saw highlighted that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is founded on strengthening regional integration and connectivity, which he considers essential for creating a more united, secure, prosperous, and people-focused community. He also underlined that this meeting signifies the conclusion of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (2016-2025) and the start of a new phase with the ASEAN Transport Sector Plan for 2026-2030.

The ASEAN Secretary-General observed that the new Transport Sector Plan 2026-2030 will steer regional efforts towards creating a more sustainable, resilient, and interconnected transport sector. It will support the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and help achieve the ASEAN Vision 2045. He also emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration between Member States and dialogue partners, ensuring that the transport sector remains a vital driver of regional integration and sustainable growth.

This was Timor-Leste’s first participation in this meeting as an ASEAN Member State, following its full accession on October 26^th, 2025. Until then, Timor-Leste had only participated as an observer

Leading the Timorese delegation was Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Minister of Transport and Communications, alongside officials from the Ministry of Transport and Communications and representatives from industry organisations.

Speaking to RTTL after the meeting, Minister Manetelu emphasised that Member States had approved two key documents that will bring tangible benefits to Timor-Leste: the ASEAN Transport Sector Plan 2026-2030 and a set of documents related to cooperation with development partners, including Japan, Korea, and China.

The Minister highlighted that approving this plan will enable Timor-Leste to access technical training, capacity-building programmes, and support offered by the ASEAN Secretariat, stating that “as a new member, we hope to benefit from the sectoral plans approved today and the programmes of ASEAN development partners. These documents offer a vital opportunity to showcase our needs and to welcome support for training and priority projects in the transport sector.

Miguel Manetelu also called for collaboration from all national entities—political, technical, and private sector—to strengthen and modernise the transport sector in Timor-Leste. According to the Minister, “the Government cannot do everything alone. To develop public transport and the aviation, maritime, and land sectors, it is essential that the private sector also participate actively, contributing to moving the transport sector forward.”

 

The minister highlighted that, as a new ASEAN member state, Timor-Leste is now starting on a path of increased integration and development in the transport sector, taking advantage of regional cooperation opportunities and existing support mechanisms.

 

On November 25th, 2025, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presided over in the Noble Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili, the opening session of the 5th Seminar of the CPLP Countries’ Sea Forum, dedicated to the theme “Legal Challenges in the Management and Use of the Sea,” emphasizing the sea as an indispensable factor for sustainable economic growth and social development in Portuguese-speaking countries. 

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that, “Despite the complexity of these challenges — legal, technological, and environmental — we know that the sea is an essential factor for the sustainable economic growth and social development of our countries, both now and in the future. Inaction is not na option!” He also stressed that cooperation between CPLP countries “has never been more important than in today’s world — an era marked by uncertainty, tension and fragmentation at the global level.”

Xanana Gusmão recalled that Timor-Leste is the only CPLP country located in Southeast Asia and that it recently became the 11th member of ASEAN, a fact that represents “new opportunities for economic and political cooperation,” as well as new responsibilities in bringing Southeast Asian countries and Portuguese-speaking countries closer together. The Head of the Government also referred to the progress made by the CPLP since the approval of the CPLP Strategy for the Ocean and the Dili Action Plan in 2016, which reinforce joint governance of the maritime space, protection of the marine environment, and sustainable development of Portuguese-speaking communities.

The Prime Minister identified three priority areas for concerted action by CPLP countries: “maritime sovereignty and boundary resolution,” “promoting the Blue Economy for sustainable development,” and “projecting the CPLP’s Strategic Vision for the Ocean.” In this context, he recalled Timor-Leste’s experience in the mandatory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for the delimitation of maritime borders with Australia, as an example of peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law.

In the area of Blue Economy, Xanana Gusmão highlighted the richness of Timor-Leste’s marine biodiversity, located in the Coral Triangle, and referred to the “Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Ocean Economy in Timor-Leste, 2025-2035”, recently approved in preliminary form by the Government, as a “roadmap for the integrated and inclusive growth of the country’s coastal, marine and maritime sectors”, focusing on “diversify our economy, generate income for our people, and create employment opportunities for our young population,” while also contributing “to the broader vision for the promotion, development and conservation of marine resources and their ecosystems”.

The seminar, organized by the National Defense Institute of Timor-Leste (IDN-TL), which will assume the Executive Secretariat of the CPLP Maritime Forum for the period 2024–2025, brings together experts in maritime law, government representatives, academics, and professionals from the maritime sector of Portuguese-speaking countries. The program includes three thematic panels on the legal foundations of maritime law and relevant international instruments, maritime border issues and territorial disputes, as well as the environment, sustainability, and maritime safety, including challenges related to ecosystem protection, economic activity at sea, and the impact of climate change.

On the sidelines of the 5th Seminar of the CPLP Sea Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the g7+ and the National Defense Institute of Timor-Leste, signed by the Secretary-General of the g7+, Helder da Costa, and the Acting Director of IDN-TL, Nuno M. Corvelo de A. Sarmento. The Memorandum establishes a partnership to strengthen collaboration on educational and training programs in areas related to peace, security, and governance, as well as for the participation of g7+ member states in higher education and training activities promoted by IDN-TL.

The opening session was attended by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, Donaciano Costa Gomes, the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus, other members of the Government, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Dili, participants in the Integrated Joint Staff Course, and delegations from CPLP member states.

The 5th Seminar of the CPLP Countries’ Sea Forum will take place in Dili on November 25th and 26th, 2025, in person and online, and will include, on the second day, a plenary meeting of the Forum members and the ceremony for the transfer of the Executive Secretariat to a new institutional member, ensuring the continuity of work and maritime cooperation in the Portuguese-speaking world.

Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Timor-Leste and Woodside Energy

Ninth Constitutional Government

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

25 November 2025

New Era of Cooperation Dawns for Greater Sunrise

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Timor-Leste (MPRM) and Woodside Energy Ltd (Woodside) are pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (Agreement) to carry out studies and activities to mature a Timor-based LNG concept (TLNG).

The Agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding efforts by Timor-Leste and Woodside to unlock the value of the Greater Sunrise gas fields and reflects a renewed spirit of good-faith collaboration and commitment among the parties.

Under the Agreement, MPRM and Woodside will carry out commercial and technical maturation activities for a greenfield Timor-based approximately 5 million tonne per annum LNG concept with a domestic gas facility and a helium extraction plant. These activities will run in parallel to the ongoing negotiation of the fiscal, regulatory and legal frameworks to support the upstream development of the Greater Sunrise fields between the Sunrise Joint Venture, Timor-Leste and Australian governments.

The Agreement includes a high-level plan outlining key activities required to mature and progress this opportunity, under which first LNG may be produced as early as 2032-2035, subject to concept selection and investment decisions.

Timor-Leste Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, said the Agreement sent a clear message that the Government of Timor-Leste and Woodside are united in their ambition to bring Greater Sunrise into production in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

“The TLNG project presents the best economic, social, and strategic benefits for the people of Timor-Leste, and we are committed to working constructively with Woodside, the Greater Sunrise joint venture and other parties to take the project forward and to make our vision for Greater Sunrise a reality.”

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill welcomed the Agreement, stating it reflected the next step in the relationship and shared commitment to the development of the Greater Sunrise fields.

“This work is an extension of last year’s concept study and will address the remaining considerations required to reach concept selection, such as agreeing the most appropriate downstream commercial structure to attract financing and understanding the preferred route of the gas export pipeline.” END

Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
JL World Hotel, Dili — 24 November 2025

Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Grand Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dili – 25 November 2025

The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, inaugurated the Local Governance Development Exhibition and National Fair on November 24^th, 2025, in Tasi Tolu, marking the start of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The ceremony was attended by the President of the National Organizing Committee and Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral. 

The activities are part of the national program commemorating November 28^th, 1975, celebrated this year under the slogan ‘May the celebration of these 50 years of the past give us confidence in the present and hope for the future!” The Organizing Committee kicked off the commemorative calendar on November 3^rd with the opening of the futsal competition, with the exhibition scheduled to close on November 29^th in Tasi Tolu.

The program includes municipal pavilions where agricultural products are presented and demonstrations of local governance by the 12 municipalities, the Administrative Region of Oe-cusse and Ambeno, and the Administrative Authority of Ataúro. The national exhibition also includes content from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of State Administration, while other ministries promote decentralized activities in the municipalities, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s order.

The celebrations include futsal competitions, traditional dancing, municipal development exhibitions, gastronomy and handicrafts. Around 150 groups of local producers participate in the gastronomy and handicrafts area. The cultural component features dance groups and bands from Timor and the Timorese diaspora in Sydney.

As part of the religious and civic celebrations, Thanksgiving Mass will be held on November 27^th at Dili Cathedral, organized by the Dili Municipal Authority. This will be followed by a tribute to the Heroes of the Nation, with a symbolic laying of flowers at the Nain-Feto Monument in Lecidere and at the Garden of Heroes in Metinaro.

No dia 28 de novembro, terão lugar as cerimónias oficiais de içar e arriar da Bandeira Nacional no Palácio do Governo, às 8h00 e às 17h00, respetivamente.

On November 28^th, the official flag-raising and lowering ceremonies will take place at the Government Palace at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., respectively.