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 August 12^th, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and was briefed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, on the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), to be held in Dili on August 19^th, 2026, under the pro tempore presidency of Timor-Leste.

The meeting will be an important opportunity to strengthen political and diplomatic coordination and cooperation among Member States, in line with the theme of the Timorese Presidency: “Consolidation of the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges Facing the CPLP.” Among the main items on the agenda are the situation in Guinea-Bissau, preparations for the upcoming CPLP Presidency, and the definition of the Organisation’s strategic guidelines for the coming years.

The meeting is also expected to review the Administrative Agreement for the Implementation of the CPLP Multilateral Social Security Convention, which aims to strengthen social protection and the portability of citizens’ social security rights within the Community. A declaration on “Consolidating the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges Facing the CPLP” will also be considered, reaffirming the Member States’ commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the strengthening of political and diplomatic coordination.

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Based on a proposal by Vice-Minister of Finance Regina de Jesus, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise Minister of Finance Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso to negotiate with the World Bank for a loan, through the International Development Association (IDA), to finance the Baucau Municipal Capital Water Supply Project.

The project, which is part of the second phase of the World Bank’s regional Water Security and Resilience initiative, aims to increase access to safely managed water supply services in selected areas of Baucau. It calls for the construction and operation of a centralised, climate-resilient system capable of serving approximately 37,000 people by 2031.

With projected funding of US$30 million, the project includes the rehabilitation and expansion of existing water sources and pumping systems, the construction of new water intake facilities, pumping stations, pipelines, treatment and storage facilities, as well as the installation of approximately 7,000 household connections with sub-metering. It also includes measures to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of Bee Timor-Leste (BTL) through technical assistance, capacity building, and support for infrastructure management and maintenance. The financing will be provided on highly concessional terms, with a 10-year grace period and a 40-year maturity. It will also include an option to defer payments in the event of a national emergency related to climate-related events. Implementation will be carried out by the Ministry of Public Works through the Project Management Unit, with BTL responsible for the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure upon its completion.

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The Council of Ministers, upon a proposal by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, approved the draft Government Resolution for the appointment by the Government of a member and their alternate to the National Election Commission.

The appointment stems from the expiration of the terms of office of the current members of the National Election Commission, scheduled for August 16^th, 2026, and is made pursuant to Law No. 5/2006, of December 28^th, as currently in force, which grants the Government the authority to appoint one of the seven members of the Commission, as well as at least one alternate member. For the new term, running from 2026 to 2031, the Government has appointed Mr Élviro Fernandes Moniz as a full member and Ms Odete Maria Belo as an alternate member.

Mr Élviro Fernandes Moniz is recognised for his integrity and experience in the field of electoral administration and currently holds a leadership position at the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration. Ms Odete Maria Belo is also recognised for her integrity and experience in the electoral field, having served as a member of the National Election Commission for several years. Neither of them holds leadership positions in political parties or on electoral campaigns.

With these appointments, the Government ensures the continuity and smooth operation of the National Election Commission for the new term, thereby helping to strengthen the independence, credibility, and effectiveness of the oversight of electoral processes in Timor-Leste, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and legal framework.

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The Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, presented information to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the National Programs to Combat Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste, including the main results achieved, the challenges identified, and the priorities for action to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for people affected by these diseases.

The presentation also provided an opportunity to review ongoing measures to strengthen the national response, particularly through improved access to health services, timely diagnosis and treatment, epidemiological surveillance, and community awareness-raising. The Government reaffirmed the importance of continuing and strengthening these national programs, with a view to reducing the incidence and impact of these diseases and improving the health and well-being of the population.

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Lastly, upon a proposal by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution mandating the return to the State of the land granted to the company Pelican Paradise Group Limited, under the respective Special Investment Agreement (SIA), approved by Government Resolution No. 133/2021 of December 15. Given that the aforementioned SIA has ceased to be in effect and that the company has been notified of its termination, the land granted as part of the investment must be returned to the State.

The resolution directs the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs to promote and coordinate the necessary actions to ensure the return of the land to the State, which must be handed over free of people and property. The resolution further stipulates that all relevant public entities, within the scope of their respective authorities, adopt the administrative measures necessary to comply with the decision.END

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The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, issued an order, signed in Dili on August 6^th, 2026, establishing the Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services (CICDE – acronym in Portuguese), which is responsible for coordinating public policies and initiatives in these areas.

The Committee is chaired by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, with the Minister of Transport and Communications serving as vice-chairman.

The CICDE also comprises the Ministers of Justice, the Interior and State Administration, together with representatives of the National Strategic Intelligence Service, TIC Timor, the Forensic Criminal Investigation Police, the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, the National Police of Timor-Leste, and the National Communications Authority.

Technical coordination will be provided by the Director-General of the National Strategic Intelligence Service, with assistance from the Executive Director of TIC Timor. The Presidency of the Council of Ministers will provide administrative and documentary support.

The establishment of the CICDE follows the submission to the National Parliament on July 31^st, 2026, of a proposal for legislative authorisation to approve an integrated legislative package on cybersecurity. The proposal was approved by the Council of Ministers on July 22^nd, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and then submitted to the National Parliament by the Prime Minister.

The legislative package covers the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the legal framework for national cyberspace security, the framework for digital services, and the criminal and criminal procedural framework applicable to offences committed in the digital environment, including rules governing the collection, preservation, and use of electronic evidence.

The initiative aims to provide Timor-Leste with a coherent legal framework to prevent, investigate and combat cybercrime, protect critical infrastructure, and enhance the security of citizens, businesses, and institutions in the digital environment.

The new Committee succeeds the Interministerial Cybersecurity Group, established in October 2025 to coordinate the protection of national critical systems and infrastructure – with a particular focus on the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable (TLSSC) – and to facilitate international cooperation in this area.

The structural change responds to the advancing digitalisation of public administration and the State’s growing use of cyberspace. The Committee’s remit will now, in an integrated manner, cover cybersecurity, the regulation of cyberspace, data protection, the prevention and prosecution of cybercrime, and the digitalisation of government services.

The CICDE will ensure political, legal, institutional, and technical coordination of these matters. The Committee will carry out functions of coordination, guidance, liaison, monitoring, and oversight, without replacing the ministries, departments, and other public bodies responsible for implementing the projects.

Its remit includes defining common priorities, preparing a consolidated public policy document and a phased legislative plan, and coordinating proposals on cybersecurity, data protection, critical information infrastructure, cybercrime, and electronic evidence.

The Committee will also coordinate proposals on e-government, digital identity, electronic signatures and trust services, data governance, interoperability, secure information sharing, and the digital processing of administrative procedures.

The CICDE is also expected to define common principles, standards and requirements for the State’s digital systems and services, with a view to preventing duplication of investment, platform incompatibility, data fragmentation, and excessive reliance on external suppliers.

The order also sets out common criteria for assessing the risks associated with private entities that supply digital systems, equipment, infrastructure, or services to the State. Proposals for support from development partners will likewise be subject to political and strategic assessment, considering national sovereignty, the Government’s priorities, the sustainability of the solutions, and the risks of technical, financial, or political dependence.

The CICDE will ordinarily meet once a month, report monthly to the Prime Minister, and submit policy proposals, legislative initiatives, draft legislation, and reports on the implementation of its work to the Council of Ministers.

Dili, August 7^th, 2026 — The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), met today with representatives of the Office of the President of the Republic and of the Government of Australia to discuss the development of the future INTERFET Memorial in Dili. 

The meeting brought together representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, the Office of the President of the Republic, represented by Ambassadors Vicky and Nelson Santos, and the Government of Australia, represented by Ambassador Caitlin Wilson.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to develop the memorial, and the Government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the legacy of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) and to ensuring that the memorial reflects the shared history and contributions of Timor-Leste, Australia, New Zealand and other countries that participated in the international peacekeeping mission.

The Government, together with the Office of the President, has identified the former INTERFET heliport, adjacent to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, as the site for the future memorial. A site-blessing ceremony for the proposed International Peacekeeping Memorial and Museum was held on 14 September 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of the deployment of INTERFET.

The Government also discussed the proposed implementation timeline. The meeting further discussed the establishment of technical focal points from Timor-Leste. The Minister emphasised that the memorial should be more than a monument to the past. It should serve as an educational space for future generations, promoting the values of peace, solidarity, and international cooperation.

Minister Agio also emphasised the importance of developing the memorial as a shared legacy for Timor-Leste, Australia, New Zealand, and all INTERFET contributing nations, while ensuring it meets international standards and honours both the Timorese people and the personnel who served in INTERFET.

Dili, 7 August 2026 — The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, held a meeting with Woodside Executive Vice President, Julie Fallon, at the Government Palace in Dili to discuss matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the Greater Sunrise project and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the Government of Timor-Leste and Woodside.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on the strategic importance of the Greater Sunrise project and its potential contribution to Timor-Leste’s long-term economic development. Discussions also focused on the importance of continued engagement, cooperation, and constructive dialogue to support the advancement of the project.

Remarks by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
São João de Brito Institute Hera, Timor-Leste 7 August 2026

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Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 5th, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and was briefed by Inês Maria de Almeida, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia, on the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) programme, focusing on Timorese workers’ participation and prospects for its future development. The presentation highlighted PALM’s importance as a tool for creating employment opportunities, developing professional skills, and strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia, as well as the bilateral commitment to increase the number of Timorese workers participating in the programme to 10,000 by 2028.

Data was also presented on the participation of Timorese workers in the PALM Program, as well as on the main issues and complaints reported regarding their working conditions and well-being. The presentation identified the challenges that persist in implementing the program, particularly in protecting workers’ rights, strengthening institutional coordination, and valuing the skills acquired, while highlighting the benefits that PALM provides to the Australian economy by addressing labour needs in various sectors. The importance of deepening bilateral cooperation was also highlighted, in order to ensure fair working conditions and maximise the programme’s economic and social benefits for both countries.

The Council of Ministers also took note of a set of recommendations to strengthen Timor-Leste’s position within the PALM Program, including strengthening coordination among national institutions, recognising the skills acquired by workers abroad, diversifying employment opportunities in new sectors of activity, and promoting a coordinated national approach to relations with Australian authorities, with a view to ensuring that the programme continues to develop within a framework of mutually beneficial partnership.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Civil Service Commission, which sets the number of vacancies for the promotion of personnel in the Public Administration’s General Career Track in 2026.

This Government Resolution establishes, for the year 2026, a total of 276 promotion openings for employees in the general civil service career track, representing five per cent of the total number of employees eligible for promotion at each professional grade. The vacancies are distributed as follows: 30 for Senior Technician, Grade A; 62 for Senior Technician, Grade B; 82 for Professional Technician, Grade C; 74 for Professional Technician, Grade D; 26 for Administrative Technician, Grade E; and 3 for Assistant, Grade F.

The Resolution also provides for the allocation of US$ 1,172,860.20 to cover the costs associated with promotions, thereby contributing to the enhancement of civil servants’ career prospects and to the strengthening of the capacity and motivation of the public administration.

The provisions set out in this Government Resolution take effect on January 1^st, 2027.

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The Council of Ministers, upon a proposal by Vice-Minister of Finance Regina de Jesus, approved the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 42/2025 of December 15^th, which implements Law No. 3/2025 of April 23^rd on the Framework for the General State Budget and Public Financial Management.

The amendment introduces greater flexibility in the execution of the General State Budget, allowing funds earmarked for the development capital of public administrative sector services and entities to be released up to the full amount of the original budget allocation by the end of the first half of each year. This measure aims to ensure faster, more efficient implementation of public investment projects, reduce administrative constraints, and facilitate the timely achievement of government priorities.

The decree-law also brings the regulatory framework into line with the amendments introduced by Law No. 8/2026 of June 8^th, which increased the flexibility of budgetary management. In this context, the law now provides for the possibility of making budgetary adjustments and transferring funds between the various programmes of the Infrastructure Fund, in accordance with the provisions of the Framework Law on the General State Budget and Public Financial Management.

With this amendment of the regulatory framework, the Government is strengthening public financial management mechanisms, promoting more efficient use of public resources, and ensuring greater capacity for the physical and financial implementation of strategic development capital projects, in accordance with the current legal framework.

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The Council of Ministers, following a proposal from the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, approved the draft Government Resolution adopting the Integrated National Plan to Prevent and Combat transnational digital financial fraud networks, supported by illicit online scam platforms (“SCAM”), organised cybercrime, and human trafficking, for 2026–2031.

This plan establishes an integrated national strategy to prevent and combat these threats, which pose a growing risk to national security, economic stability, digital sovereignty, the integrity of the financial system, and Timor-Leste’s international reputation, by strengthening coordination among intelligence agencies, security forces and services, criminal investigation agencies, financial authorities, and border control agencies.

The Plan’s priorities include strengthening the State’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and combat organised cybercrime and human trafficking; protecting the national financial system and critical infrastructure; strengthening immigration control and border security; developing specialised technical capabilities; and promoting regional and international cooperation. Political coordination and oversight of its implementation will be the responsibility of the Interministerial Security Commission. In addition, a Government Decree will establish the National Centre for Coordination, Assessment, and Combating Transnational Threats (CN-CAT), reporting directly to the Prime Minister, as a permanent mechanism for inter-institutional coordination.

The Plan will be implemented in three phases between 2026 and 2031. The first phase will include establishing the CN-CAT, defining operational procedures, assessing national capabilities, and initiating a review of the legislative framework. In the second phase, the technical capabilities of institutions will be strengthened, technological systems will be implemented, joint operations will be developed, and international cooperation will be deepened, culminating in 2031 with the consolidation of national capabilities, the evaluation of the results achieved, and the updating of the National Plan, ensuring a sustainable and coordinated response to transnational threats.

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The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, presented to the Council of Ministers the preparations for hosting the 19th Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CMJPLOP) in Dili, which will bring together government officials responsible for justice across the CPLP member states. The Conference is an important mechanism for consultation and legal and judicial cooperation within the Portuguese-speaking world, facilitating the analysis of matters of common interest, the evaluation of ongoing initiatives, and the identification of new areas for collaboration. The preparatory work was also presented, including inter-institutional coordination and the logistical, protocol, security, and technical support required to host the event. Hosting this Conference in Timor-Leste, within the framework of the CPLP’s Pro Tempore Presidency, reinforces the national commitment to deepening legal cooperation among Member States and to strengthening the Community.

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Health Minister Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral presented the preparations to the Council of Ministers for hosting the 79th Session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Southeast Asia (WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee – WHO/SEARO) in Dili from 7 to 10 September 2026. This session serves as the primary governance forum for WHO in Southeast Asia, bringing together Member States to define strategic guidelines, review progress in public health, and approve regional cooperation initiatives. Ongoing preparatory work was presented, including inter-institutional coordination and logistical, protocol, security, and technical support for hosting the delegations. Hosting this meeting in Timor-Leste represents an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in health, promote the country’s international profile, and reaffirm the national commitment to strengthening health systems.

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The Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening of Health, José dos Reis Magno, presented to the Council of Ministers an analysis of the persistent challenge of chronic malnutrition in Timor-Leste, highlighting the need for an integrated and coordinated response to improve the population’s health and nutrition indicators. In addition to statistical data, the minister outlined the Integrated Health Program, an intervention strategy that combines initiatives to promote nutrition, maternal and child health, disease prevention, and the strengthening of health education within communities. He also presented the goals to be achieved by 2030. He discussed ongoing measures to strengthen institutional coordination and the implementation of multisectoral responses aimed at reducing malnutrition and promoting better health outcomes, especially among children and the most vulnerable groups. END

Dili, Timor-Leste—Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, met today, August 4^th, 2026, at the Government Palace with Singapore’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Teo Lay Cheng, to reaffirm the strength of bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Singapore and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At the meeting, participants discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation across a range of areas of mutual interest, including sustainable development, institutional capacity, human resources development, innovation, state modernisation, and economic development.

The minister emphasised the importance of relations with international partners who share a vision for promoting development and strengthening national capacities, highlighting Singapore’s experience in governance, technology, innovation, and capacity building.

At the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, with an emphasis on the sustainable management of natural resources and the creation of national value. They also discussed regional and global challenges that require greater international cooperation.

Minister Agio Pereira also highlighted Timor-Leste’s interest in continuing to draw on Singapore’s experience, particularly to strengthen institutional capacities, prepare future generations, and develop the skills needed to address future challenges.

The meeting took place amid growing ties between the two countries. Singapore established a resident embassy in Dili in April 2024, and Teo Lay Cheng presented his credentials to President José Ramos-Horta in April 2026.

The meeting reaffirmed Timor-Leste and Singapore’s commitment to continue developing a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, and the sharing of knowledge, thereby creating new opportunities for cooperation that benefit both peoples.