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 April 15th, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft government resolution, presented by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Tourism, and the Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, regarding the establishment of the Interministerial Committee to Oversee the Construction Project for the International Convention Centre.

This Government Resolution establishes an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to ensure ongoing oversight of the construction project for the International Convention Centre, which is recognised as a key initiative for economic development, tourism promotion, and the urban revitalisation of Dili.

The resolution establishes a technical and advisory committee, organised into two working groups. One working group is responsible for project development, including technical supervision of construction work, quality control, and verification of construction specifications, while the second working group ensures inter-ministerial coordination at the supervisory level, with the participation of representatives from various relevant ministries and public entities.

The main responsibilities assigned to this committee include overseeing the various phases of the project, coordinating among the entities involved, monitoring deadlines, costs, and financial risks, and identifying any potential constraints and proposing corrective measures. The committee is also expected to prepare periodic reports and hold regular meetings to assess the project’s progress.

The Vice Prime Minister is responsible for the overall coordination of the committee, with technical, administrative, and logistical support from his office to ensure effective oversight and consistent implementation of this strategic project.

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The draft Decree-Law, submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, for the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 48/2023 of August 23^rd, regarding the Organic Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC – acronym in Portuguese), was also approved.

This amendment aims to align the Ministry’s organisational structure with the second amendment to the composition of the 9th Constitutional Government, which is already in force and includes the position of Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

The decree further stipulates that the Secretary-General of the MNEC, who is responsible for managing, coordinating, and supervising the technical, administrative, and financial support for all of the Ministry’s departments, is appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from among diplomatic officials holding the rank of ambassador or, alternatively, of counsellor, with relevant professional and diplomatic experience in the Ministry’s central and peripheral foreign services.

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The Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, delivered a presentation to the Council of Ministers on preparations for the 79th session of the World Health Organisation’s Regional Committee for Southeast Asia (WHO-SEARO), which Timor-Leste will host in 2026.

Timor-Leste has been a Member State of the World Health Organisation since 2002 and a member of WHO-SEARO since 2003. In 2015, it hosted the 69th Regional Committee meeting. Building on this trajectory, Timor-Leste will once again host this high-level meeting, which will take place in Dili from September 7^th to 9^th, 2026.

The meeting, attended by health ministers and senior officials from the region’s member states, serves as an important forum for dialogue and coordination on health sector priorities and policies, strengthening regional cooperation and improving health systems and the response to common challenges.

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The Minister of Health also gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the ASEAN Health Unit. The unit aims to ensure coordination between the national health system and ASEAN cooperation mechanisms, as well as inter-ministerial coordination and national participation in regional health structures.

Among the main initiatives are strengthening the capacity to respond to public health emergencies, through the creation of emergency medical teams and a national operations centre, as well as strengthening surveillance and data management systems.

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The Minister of Health presented an update to the Council of Ministers on the activities of the Public Health and Food Safety Laboratory at the National Institute of Health of Timor-Leste, with a focus on water, food, and beverage quality control.

The laboratory collects and analyses samples, conducts monitoring, and responds to public health outbreaks in coordination with national agencies and partners.

The need to strengthen institutional coordination and avoid duplication of effort was also emphasised, with a view to bolstering the national capacity for health surveillance and public health protection.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, which sets the fees to be charged for laboratory tests conducted in the laboratories of National Health Service institutions.

The main purpose of this Decree-Law is to update the fee structure for laboratory tests, whose current rates had not been revised for more than 15 years, and to establish a clear legal basis for applying these fees. The revision reflects the evolution of the system, which has expanded from approximately 38 test types to more than 150 currently available.

Among the main measures approved, it is stipulated that fees apply only to patients who are not covered by the National Health Service or who are referred by private facilities. The law also stipulates that the fees charged must reflect the actual direct and indirect costs of the services provided, and sets out billing rules, including full payment before the performance of tests and the release of results upon proof of payment.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, regarding a donation of US$631,478.11 to Noble Timor to settle outstanding debts associated with the organisation of previous editions of the Tour de Timor (2012), the Dili Marathon (2018), and the Suai Extreme (2018).

The primary objective of this decision is to settle financial obligations arising from the organisation of these sporting events, which are recognised for their public interest and their contribution to the promotion of sport, tourism, and the international image of Timor-Leste.

This Government Resolution authorises the allocation of a grant to the organising entity to settle the identified debts and requires confirmation, following their settlement, that no other outstanding liabilities remain. The Government Resolution further directs the Minister of Finance to ensure that the necessary procedures are carried out to implement this measure.

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Amid the proposals presented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, the Council of Ministers decided to adopt the theme “Deepening Economic and Trade Cooperation within the CPLP: Opportunities and Challenges” for the Meeting of Trade Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), to be held in Dili in June 2026.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, establishing the formation and responsibilities of the negotiating team for Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

The purpose of this Government Resolution is to ensure a coordinated and technically sound response to Timor-Leste’s commitment in connection with its accession to the WTO by establishing an interministerial structure responsible for leading the GPA accession negotiation process. This agreement promotes transparency, fair competition, and non-discrimination in public procurement.

The newly established Negotiation Team comprises representatives from various ministries and public agencies, ensuring a coordinated approach across the public administration. The structure is led by a Chief Negotiator, responsible for conducting the negotiations—a role held by the Vice Prime Minister, in his capacity as the Government member responsible for the Coordination of Economic Affairs, or a representative designated by him. The representative must possess extensive, proven technical expertise in public procurement and international trade, and be supported by a dedicated technical coordination team. The team is responsible for preparing the negotiation strategy, analysing the impact of accession on the national legal and institutional framework, drafting the market access offer, and ensuring coordination with public entities, the private sector, and other relevant partners.

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Amid the proposals presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Council of Ministers decided to adopt the theme “Together, we will build a homeland increasingly fair, inclusive, and resilient” for the official ceremonies marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Timor-Leste’s Independence, which falls on May 20^th. END

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On April 13^th, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, accompanied by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, participated in the Second Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the Situation in the Middle East, held via videoconference under the chairmanship of the Philippines. 

The meeting brought together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior ASEAN officials and was also attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to assess developments in the Middle East and their global and regional implications, including impacts on energy and food security and on the resilience of supply chains.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, and followed up on the first special meeting held in March of this year.

During the session, participants exchanged views on worsening geopolitical dynamics. They emphasised the need to mitigate the conflict’s effects, strengthen regional cooperation, and promote a coordinated ASEAN response to emerging challenges.

The ministers adopted a joint statement on developments in the Middle East, in which they welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire, called for its full implementation, urged all parties to exercise restraint, and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law.

The statement also reaffirms the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, and the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel.

The Government of Timor-Leste (“GTL”) has established the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste, S.A. (“BNDTL”), pursuant to Decree-Law No. 32/2025, of 10 October, as a wholly State-owned development financial institution mandated to support sustainable economic growth, promote financial inclusion, and advance the implementation of national development priorities.

The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Steering Committee composed of the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Tourism, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, hereby invites qualified professionals to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for senior management positions within BNDTL.

This IEOI intends to identify and assess the availability of duly qualified national and international candidates, to begin the implementation of a structured, transparent, and competitive recruitment process.

The recruitment process forms part of the preparatory steps toward the formal appointment of BNDTL’s senior management.

Please refer to the attached PDF file for further information

On April 10^th, 2026, Tivan Limited announced the discovery of high-grade copper and gold mineralisation at its Baucau and Ossu projects in Timor-Leste, based on preliminary results from laboratory analyses of field-collected surface samples.

Results from 12 samples indicate copper grades up to 17.4% and gold grades of 38.1 grams per ton, with cobalt up to 0.45%, confirming the potential of these areas for high-grade polymetallic mineralisation. 

According to the company, the newly obtained data is consistent with historical exploration results from previous concession holders, including records of up to 37.8 grams per ton of gold, 14.59% copper, and 1.12% cobalt, underscoring the projects’ consistency and geological potential.

The projects are located about 123 kilometres east of Dili, in a region with geological features associated with significant regional copper and gold deposits. However, exploration activity in the area remains limited.

Tivan completed the acquisition of the licences in February 2026 and is preparing for the next phases of work, including additional sampling campaigns, geological mapping, and geophysical surveys, to identify targets for future drilling.

Within the applicable legal framework, the company is also establishing a partnership with the state-owned enterprise Murak Rai Timor and coordinating with the National Minerals Authority to engage with local communities and other relevant entities.

Grant Wilson, CEO of Tivan, expressed his “delight at sharing these results, which will have a major impact on Timor-Leste, particularly the discovery of high-grade gold. We will work closely with the communities and stakeholders to plan the next steps.”

In Tiven’s statement, the company notes that “it is working with the National Minerals Authority of Timor-Leste, IP, to hold ceremonies in the relevant municipalities, to formally engage local communities, veterans, stakeholders, and government representatives” and that “it is moving forward with the establishment of a formal joint venture for each of the Ossu and Baucau Projects with the state-owned mining company Murak Rai Timor, EP, as required by the Mining Code of Timor-Leste.”

The results announced today are expected to support the projects’ progression into the exploratory drilling phase.

 

On April 9^th and 10^th, 2026, Marcos da Cruz, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forests, led two initiatives in the municipalities of Aileu and Ainaro to promote agricultural mechanisation and increase rice production as part of the sector’s modernisation strategy. 

In Aileu, the mechanised rice-planting campaign was launched on a 17-hectare plot in the Aslimhati hamlet, Hoholau village. The initiative was supported by an irrigation system built in 2025 that supplies water to agricultural areas and enables the use of modern machinery.

During the event, the Minister emphasised the need to increase agricultural production and ensure food security by introducing improved agricultural practices and greater mechanisation. He also stressed the importance of identifying the key challenges farmers face to improve productivity and align production with market demand.

The President of the Aileu Municipal Authority expressed his gratitude for the support provided to farming communities and called for the responsible use of the distributed equipment and for strengthened coordination between farmers and agricultural extension services.

In Ainaro on April 10^th, the Minister observed a similar mechanised rice-planting operation using tractors and other agricultural machinery provided by the Ministry. The initiative focused on previously abandoned areas, which were restored by regulating watercourses and preparing the land for cultivation.

Whilst there, the Minister also inspected the site for the Loegolo irrigation system, which is intended to support agricultural production and supply water to farming areas. The initiative forms part of the Government’s efforts to revitalise agricultural land and increase domestic production through mechanisation, improvements to irrigation infrastructure, and direct support for rural communities.

Municipal authorities, agricultural service technicians, law enforcement officials, and local communities – including farmers and community leaders – took part in the activities.

On April 7^th, 2026, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, met at his ministry with the Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Yamamoto Yasushi, and the representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Fukulmori Daisuke, as part of the 4th meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee for the project “Community-Based Landscape Management for Strengthening Climate Resilience and Reducing Deforestation in Watersheds,” which covers seven municipalities. 

The project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and JICA and supported by the Government, has been underway since 2022 and focuses on 60 villages (suco) across 14 administrative districts, covering four priority watersheds: Mota (river) Comoro, Mota (river) Lacló, Mota (river) Karau Ulun, and Mota (river) Tafara.

As part of this initiative, regulations were developed at the hamlet level to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and to strengthen community-based management. Municipal authorities and the Government approved these regulations. Local committees ensure that their implementation is monitored through regular meetings.

“The project has already delivered tangible benefits to communities by introducing more effective agricultural and land management technologies and practices, including tree planting, compost production, climate-resilient farming techniques, and the rehabilitation of old coffee trees. “These interventions contribute to increased agricultural productivity and strengthened climate resilience,” said Minister Marcos da Cruz.

The Japanese Ambassador highlighted the project’s contribution to strengthening forest and environmental management, with a focus on participatory land use and adaptation to climate change, and emphasised Japan’s support through JICA and its collaboration with implementing partners.

The JICA representative noted that participatory planning for integrated land use has already been carried out in 60 villages, with the remaining areas nearing completion. This has enabled communities to establish land-use rules and to understand the impacts of climate change on their agricultural activities.

Presidents of municipal authorities and directors of municipal agricultural services from the seven municipalities covered by the project also attended the meeting.

The initiative forms part of the Government’s efforts to promote the sustainable management of natural resources and to strengthen the resilience of rural communities in the face of climate change.