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The Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, participated in the 36th Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC Council), in his capacity as Timor-Leste’s ASCC Council Minister. The meeting was held under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship. 

The meeting reviewed progress in implementing the ASCC Strategic Plan and the outcomes of the conclusion of the ASCC Blueprint 2025. Discussions covered regional priorities relating to inclusive development, social protection, education, youth, gender equality, migrant workers’ rights, resilience and environmental sustainability.

One of the key outcomes was the launch of the ASCC Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) System, alongside the enhancement of the ASEAN Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME 2.0), aimed at strengthening the monitoring of results and implementation of regional commitments.

The Council also considered the outcome documents to be submitted to the 49th ASEAN Summit, comprising 11 documents for adoption and 48 documents for notation by ASEAN Leaders. These documents cover areas such as social protection, family development, foundational learning, youth, poverty reduction and rural development.

Regarding Timor-Leste’s integration into the ASCC, the meeting noted the completion of the country’s accession to the six legal instruments under the socio-cultural pillar: the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER); the Establishment Agreement of the AHA Centre; the Establishment Agreement of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP); the Charter of the ASEAN University Network (AUN); and the Establishment Agreement of the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI).

The meeting also noted Timor-Leste’s readiness to assume chairmanship responsibilities in ASEAN sectoral bodies, namely in the labour sector through the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM), the Senior Officials Meeting on Labour (SLOM) and the SLOM Working Group, during the 2028–2030 period; and in the disaster management sector through the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) in 2033.

Timor-Leste’s participation reaffirms its commitment to actively contributing to the implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan and to building an inclusive, resilient and people-centred ASEAN Community.

 

On Monday, November 9^th, 2026, the 9th Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and accompanied by members of the Executive, presented the 2027 General State Budget (GSB) law proposal to the National Parliament in Dili, with a consolidated global total of US$ 2.569 billion. The presentation marked the start of the parliamentary debate in general terms, which ran until November 11^th, during which the Government’s main priorities and budgetary options for the coming year will be discussed.

Under the theme “Strengthening Resilience through Transformation: Diversifying the Economy for a Sustainable Future”, the 2027 draft budget aims to consolidate the national economy, improve public service delivery, create employment opportunities, and reduce dependence on petroleum revenues, in line with the Programme of the 9th Constitutional Government and the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030.

Addressing Members of the National Parliament, the Prime Minister said: “Through this budget proposal, we aim to consolidate our economy, strengthen public service delivery, and expand opportunities for progress and well-being for Timorese families across the country.” He further emphasised that the Government’s mission “is to manage the State’s financial resources—substantial yet finite—with discipline, sustainability, transparency, and accountability, preparing the country not only for 2027 but also for the challenges of subsequent years in an increasingly uncertain and demanding world.”

The Head of Government acknowledged progress in infrastructure development and public services but warned of persistent poverty and inequality, particularly in rural communities. He noted that the non-oil economy grew by 4.3% in 2025 and that the proportion of the population living below the poverty line fell from 48.4% in 2014 to 37% in 2024, according to the recent Living Standards Survey.

Despite this progress, he stressed the need for more effective responses to family hardship, saying: “The Government has not lacked effort in combating inequality. But effort alone does not comfort those who suffer. We must do more and do better. The 2027 General State Budget is an expression of that very commitment.”

The budget proposal allocates US$2.487 billion to the Central Administration and US$ 56.1 million to the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA). The Social Security budget is estimated at US$186.55 million.

The consolidated global amount represents a 7.4% increase compared with the 2026 Rectified Budget. Public investment totals US535.3 million, of which US$ 505.8 million is allocated to development capital projects. Conversely, the allocation for goods and services has been reduced by 19.8% to US$550.3 million.

The Prime Minister explained that this option aims to prioritise productive investment and control operational expenditure. He also highlighted that the budget was fully prepared using a policy-led approach over a five-year horizon, linking financial allocations to programmes and expected results.

In this context, he stated that “every budget allocation is linked to a policy, a programme, and expected results. No expenditure will continue simply because it ‘has always been there’, as all spending will be subject to review.”

For 2027, the Government forecasts non-oil economic growth of 4.6% and inflation of around 1.8%, with these projections dependent on the capacity to implement public policy and on international economic developments.

Among the priorities presented, the Government proposes US$956.9 million for economic affairs, including infrastructure and the productive sectors. Agriculture receives US$37.8 million, a 21% increase from the previous budget, while tourism receives US$13.1 million, up 31%.

The budget also allocates US$244.8 million to new policies in the petroleum and mineral sector, including support for TIMOR GAP for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal projects and for advancing Greater Sunrise, as part of the strategy to leverage natural resources and promote economic diversification.

In infrastructure, allocations include US$345.7 million for roads and bridges, US$157.6 million for electricity, and US$23.5 million for water and sanitation. The Government intends to continue ongoing projects, improve maintenance of existing infrastructure, and enhance access to markets and public services.

In social sectors, the proposal foresees US$182.6 million for health, a 17% increase, and US$194.2 million for education, an 11% increase compared with 2026. Social inclusion receives approximately US$367 million, covering support for National Liberation Combatants, social security, and assistance to vulnerable families. Allocations also include US$24.7 million for school feeding and US$11.7 million for maternal and child support, primarily through the Bolsa da Mãe (Mother’s Allowance) programme.

Local development and decentralisation are also budget priorities, with US$148.1 million allocated to the 13 municipalities, US$22.9 million to the National Village Development Programme (PNDS – acronym in Portuguese), and US$33.8 million to the Integrated Municipal Development Programme (PIGD – acronym in Portuguese).

Regarding public financial sustainability, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to strengthen national productive capacity, increase domestic revenues, and improve the efficiency of public spending to progressively reduce reliance on the Petroleum Fund. For 2027, domestic revenues are projected at US$298.6 million, a 10% increase, while efficiency measures planned across 62 State entities are expected to deliver annual savings of US$53.6 million.

The Head of Government argued that the drawdowns from the Petroleum Fund must be directed towards investments that drive economic growth, enhance public services, and generate new revenue streams.

“Our justification for using these savings is clear: to invest in productive capacity and public services. But this creates an unavoidable obligation to demonstrate results, control costs, and develop new revenue streams. No future return can exempt us from this responsibility,” he stated.

The Prime Minister further stressed the need to continue public financial management reforms, improve revenue mobilisation, and ensure responsible resource management over the medium and long term. In this context, he noted ongoing preparations to introduce a Value Added Tax (VAT) at a proposed rate of 5%, starting in 2028, subject to approval by the National Parliament and the creation of the necessary implementation conditions.

“Protecting our national savings requires consistent decision-making over several years. The reforms embedded in this Budget must be implemented, and their outcomes must guide future choices,” he underscored.

As part of national responsibilities planned for 2027, the budget also includes the resources required for the presidential elections, the potential holding of two or three municipal elections, subject to structural readiness, and the initiation of logistical and infrastructure preparations for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

In the concluding section of his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Executive’s commitment to providing clarifications to Members of Parliament and to reviewing recommendations put forward during parliamentary debate. “Scrutiny is part of our responsibility to the Timorese People. This debate must serve to refine choices and strengthen outcomes,” he declared.

The Head of Government concluded with an appeal for public investment to deliver concrete benefits for the population: “Let us make 2027 a year in which a larger share of our investment translates into productive activity, in which more public services reach those who need them, and in which more Timorese families can see a secure future in their own country.”

The law proposal was submitted to the National Parliament on October 1^st, 2026, and was then reviewed by parliamentary committees, which held hearings between October 13^th and 23^rd. The debate in general terms will continue through November 11^th. After approval, the bill will proceed to detailed debate and voting, beginning on November 24. Once this phase is complete, the bill will undergo a final overall vote, after which it will be submitted to the President of the Republic for enactment.

On October 29^th, 2026, in Caicoli, Dili, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, inaugurated the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Centre, dedicated to the training, certification, and licensing of heavy-machinery and equipment operators, under the mandate of the Institute for the Management of Equipment and Support for Infrastructure Development (IGEADI, IP), with the aim of improving the qualifications of national workers and strengthening safety in equipment operation.

The centre aims to support the implementation of a system for the training, competency assessment, certification, and licensing of operators of high-risk machinery and equipment, in line with legal requirements and occupational health and safety standards. The initiative covers technical training for operators, identification and prevention of occupational risks, safe operating procedures, and equipment care and maintenance. It also seeks to ensure that workers have the necessary qualifications to perform these activities, prevent workplace accidents, expand employment opportunities for Timorese citizens, and reduce reliance on foreign operators.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to prepare the national workforce to meet the technical requirements of the country’s development projects and investment activities. Xanana Gusmão called on IGEADI to ensure ongoing oversight of the centre, equipment maintenance, and the continuity of training activities. The Head of Government also expressed appreciation to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its support in developing national technical capacities.

The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, emphasised that operators’ qualifications should cover not only machinery handling but also risk identification, preventive maintenance, and compliance with safety procedures. The Minister warned of the dangers associated with operating heavy equipment, particularly during operations carried out in the rainy season and in areas affected by flooding or landslides.

The establishment of the centre forms part of the legislative reforms approved by the Government in 2025. Decree-Law No. 18/2025 of July 2^nd expanded IGEADI’s responsibilities to include the promotion of specialised and certified technical training, while Decree-Law No. 19/2025, enacted on the same date, established the rules and conditions governing the use of high-risk machinery and equipment. Both legal instruments were approved at the Council of Ministers meeting on June 11^th, 2025.

Also attending the ceremony were the Vice-Minister of Public Works, Júlio do Carmo da Silva; the Secretary of State for Electricity, Water and Sanitation, Santos Noronha; the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis; the Chair of Committee E of the National Parliament, Member of Parliament Marcos Xavier; the Second Commander-General of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Assistant Commissioner Natércia Eufrásia Soares Martins; the President of IGEADI, Ana Paula da Cruz; and representatives of JICA in Timor-Leste.

The initiative is part of the Government’s measures to improve the qualifications of national workers and to enforce safety standards for the use of high-risk equipment.

On October 28^th, 2026, at the National Institute for the Training of Teachers and Education Professionals (INFORDEPE – acronym in Portuguese) in Dili, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Education and in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Korea, held the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transition in Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The seminar aimed to promote the integration of emerging technologies into the education system and to strengthen the digital competencies of national teachers and technical staff.

The opening session was presided over by the Secretary of State for General Secondary Education and Technical-Vocational Secondary Education, Domingos Lopes Lemos, and attended by a delegation from the Republic of Korea, led by Young Saing Kim, Secretary-General of the East Asia Summit Technical and Vocational Education and Training (EAS TVET) Cooperation Network, affiliated with the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET).

The seminar brought together approximately 250 participants, including teachers of Information Technology and Multimedia, heads of Technical Support Offices, officials from the Ministry of Education and INFORDEPE, heads of educational institutions, and representatives of the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE – acronym in Portuguese).

The initiative builds on the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Education and South Korean institutions, following the official visit of Secretary of State Domingos Lopes Lemos to the Republic of Korea on September 8^th and 9^th, 2026. During that visit, the Timorese delegation met with representatives from the South Korean Ministry of Education and KRIVET to review technical and vocational education practices tailored to labour market needs.

At the opening of the seminar, Domingos Lopes Lemos emphasised the need to equip national human resources to keep pace with technological advancement and to promote the use of digital tools in education and vocational training.

“Digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence are not merely modern topics or appealing slogans. They represent new capabilities that can enhance educational quality, narrow the gap between schools and the labour market, and equip Timorese youth with the knowledge and skills required in the 21st century,” he stated.

The Secretary of State also urged participants to share the knowledge gained with fellow teachers and students to broaden the use of new technologies in schools across the country.

During the seminar, educational practices and models from the Republic of Korea were presented, with a specific focus on Meister High School and Asan Smart Factory High School, highlighting how artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are integrated into learning processes and TVET curricula.

The sessions further examined the applications, benefits, and risks of AI in education, as well as the need to train teachers to guide students in the responsible use of digital tools.

Under this cooperation framework, the Ministry of Education plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence and Digital Education Centre within the complex housing the four technical schools in Becora, Dili, to support teacher and student training and to foster digital skills development. The proposal was originally presented during the official visit to the Republic of Korea in September.

According to Ministry of Education data, Timor-Leste currently operates 33 public technical secondary schools, with more than 9,000 students enrolled across 19 fields of study, including information technology, mechanics, agriculture, tourism, and construction.

The seminar forms part of government efforts to enhance the quality of technical and vocational education, cultivate a skilled workforce, and align student competencies with market demands through international cooperation and digital integration.

Since October 8^th, 2026, the Government – through the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE – acronym in Portuguese) – has been conducting electoral registration and updating the biometric database of Timorese citizens living abroad in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections. According to provisional figures released by STAE on November 4^th, 11,623 voters have been registered in Australia, South Korea, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland.

The operations are conducted under Government Decree No. 6/2026 of September 16^th and Joint Ministerial Order No. 40/2026 of September 30^th, which set out the schedule and locations for voter registration abroad through January 22^nd, 2027. The process enables the enrolment of new voters, the updating of personal and biometric data, and the replacement of previous voter registration cards with the new biometric card, thereby facilitating the exercise of voting rights for Timorese citizens residing outside the national territory.

To carry out the operations, STAE deployed technical teams to diplomatic and consular representations, where registration equipment was installed and frontline personnel were trained. Mobile registration services were also established in various cities to facilitate access for citizens living or working far from consular posts.

In South Korea, the Vice-Minister of State Administration, Jacinto Rigoberto Gomes de Deus, visited the cities of Busan and Gwangju on October 24^th and 25^th, accompanied by National Elections Commission (CNE) Commissioner Odete Belo and representatives from STAE, the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and the National Bank of Commerce of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), with support from Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to South Korea.

During meetings with Timorese communities, the Vice-Minister urged participation in the registration drive, explaining that updated data will determine the number of resident voters in each region, supporting polling station planning. Technical teams delivered registration services in Busan, Gwangju, Seoul, and other locations with a concentration of Timorese workers.

In the United Kingdom, the Secretary of State for Local Development, Mateus W. dos Santos Tallo, monitored operations alongside representatives from STAE, the CNE, and the Embassy of Timor-Leste. The mission also included the Director-General for Consular Affairs and Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Josefina Carla Pompeia Tilman.

On 29 October in Oxford, the Secretary of State presided over the launch of local registration activities and symbolically handed over new biometric voter cards, while technical teams began replacing cards and updating records. Two days later, in Crewe, an information session was held for the Timorese community to clarify procedures for voter enrolment and data updates.

In Australia, operations were conducted in Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, and Warrnambool. In Portugal, services were provided in Lisbon, Porto, and Beja, while in Northern Ireland, activities took place in Belfast, Portadown, and Dungannon.

As part of these activities, the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, is scheduled to meet with the Timorese community in New South Wales, Australia, on November 6^th, 2026, between 18:00 and 20:00 at the Mercure Hotel, Liverpool Catholic Club, in Liverpool. The meeting, organised by the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Australia through the Consulate-General in New South Wales, will provide an opportunity for direct dialogue with Timorese citizens and to clarify matters regarding voter registration in that country.

According to STAE, the technical teams deployed to Australia and South Korea have completed their initial training and operational support missions and have returned to Timor-Leste. Registration continues through consular services, with personnel trained to ensure operational continuity.

STAE also announced plans to establish registration posts in Indonesia—specifically in Jakarta, Bali, and Kupang—and in China (Beijing) to expand voter registration access for Timorese citizens living in those countries.

Operations are proceeding through coordination among government institutions, STAE, and diplomatic and consular representations, with the aim of maintaining up-to-date electoral registers for the 2027 presidential elections.

On October 29^th, 2026, in Liurai village (suco), Aileu Municipality, the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs, Mariano Assanami Sabino, presided over the solemn opening ceremony for the 2026–2027 academic year of the Joint Military Academy, organised by the Ministry of Defence. The ceremony featured the inaugural lecture by the Minister of Defence, Donaciano do Rosário da Costa Gomes, marking the start of the institution’s first preparatory course to train the inaugural generation of officer cadets for the FALINTIL–Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL).

The Joint Military Academy was inaugurated on February 2^nd, 2026, as part of the commemorations marking the 25th anniversary of FALINTIL’s transformation into the F-FDTL. The institution was established to provide academic and military instruction to future Armed Forces officers within an educational framework that integrates technical knowledge, leadership skills, and institutional values.

The opening of the academic year marks a new milestone in the implementation of this project, following facility preparations, the selection of the first 60 officer cadets, the design of a four-year curriculum, and preparations for academic accreditation.

In his address, Mariano Assanami Sabino emphasised the Academy’s responsibility for preparing future generations of military officers with technical expertise, leadership capacity, and respect for constitutional and democratic values.

“We need officers prepared to face present and future challenges, with the capacity to serve, lead, and set an example—placing knowledge, skills, and values at the service of the F-FDTL. Today, we bear the responsibility to preserve freedom, strengthen institutions, and prepare new generations for the future. It is within this framework that the Joint Military Academy arises,” stated the Vice-Prime Minister.

The Vice-Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Defence, the F-FDTL General Staff, and the National Defence Institute (IDN – acronym in Portuguese) for establishing the Academy, acknowledging Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek’s contribution to bringing the project to fruition.

He further emphasised the need to secure qualified academic staff, implement rigorous study programmes, evaluate training outcomes, and maintain ongoing institutional support for the Academy.

“Our objective must be to consolidate a benchmark academy, renowned for educational quality and for the competencies of the officers who will shape future generations of the F-FDTL,” he declared.

Addressing the officer cadets, Mariano Assanami Sabino emphasised the responsibility they bear as the institution’s first cohort, urging them to cultivate values of discipline, honesty, respect, teamwork, and duty.

The ceremony included the inaugural lecture, entitled “Being an Officer: Serving, Leading, and Setting an Example”, delivered by the Minister of Defence, Donaciano do Rosário da Costa Gomes.

In his lecture, the Minister of Defence addressed the principles of military doctrine, ethics, and discipline, as well as the responsibilities of officers towards the State and the population. He stressed that the Academy must ensure not only the transmission of technical and military expertise but also the formation of character, integrity, and command capability among future F-FDTL officers.

The Minister urged cadets, lecturers, and instructors to align training with the values and principles of the military institution, aiming to prepare officers capable of assuming leadership roles and contributing to the defence of Timor-Leste’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The programme included a tour of the Academy’s facilities and a meeting with the cadets, allowing attendees to inspect teaching and training conditions.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief of the F-FDTL General Staff, Major General Calisto dos Santos; the Commander of the Joint Military Academy, Commander (Naval) Duarte Borges Loe; the Acting Director of the National Defence Institute, Nuno Corvelo Sarmento; the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres; and the Second Commander-General of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Assistant Commissioner Natércia Eufrázia Soares Martins. Also present were Members of the National Parliament, Government members, municipal authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, F-FDTL and PNTL officers, academic staff, instructors, and families of the officer cadets.

The Joint Military Academy is part of human resources development initiatives in the defence sector, dedicated to training officers for the permanent cadres of the F-FDTL in line with the institution’s professional requirements.

On November 3^rd, 2026, the Government—through the Secretariat of State for Equality—held a ceremony in Bobonaro Municipality to mark the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s National Women’s Day, dedicated to the memory of national heroine Maria Tapó and recognising the contributions of Timorese women to the independence struggle, state-building, and national development.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and the Acting Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores. It included a thanksgiving Mass, a tribute at Maria Tapó’s grave, and sports activities, with participation from representatives of women’s organisations, community leaders, and local communities.

National Women’s Day is observed annually on November 3^rd in memory of Maria Tapó, a member of the Timorese Women’s Popular Organisation (OPMT), who died in combat on that date in 1975. Since 1976, the date has been observed in recognition of women’s role in the national liberation struggle, and it was formally established as a national public holiday under Law No. 10/2023 of April 5^th.

In her address, Verónica das Dores paid tribute to the sacrifices of Timorese women during the occupation, particularly the violence and discrimination they endured, and highlighted their contributions to the Resistance. The Minister also underscored progress in women’s participation in education, politics, the economy, and state institutions, while noting remaining challenges to equal opportunity.

The Minister emphasised the imperative to translate national and international commitments into concrete measures by mainstreaming gender perspectives across public policy planning, budgeting, and implementation. She further highlighted the prevention and combating of gender-based violence, victim protection, and women’s participation in decision-making processes, including at the local community level.

In his message marking the occasion, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, noted that the Constitution of the Republic enshrines equality between women and men and called for this principle to be implemented through public policies backed by the necessary financial resources. The Head of State also stressed the need to guarantee women and girls access to education, healthcare, social protection, and political participation, and encouraged men and boys to join in promoting equality and combating discrimination and violence against women.

The Chair of Committee F of the National Parliament, Maria Barreto Gorumali, also highlighted women’s contributions to national self-determination and advocated recognition of their role in the history of the Resistance. She urged public institutions, women’s organisations, and communities to actively engage in preventing and combating violence and discrimination.

The celebrations are held under the theme “Women of Timor-Leste: Celebrating 50 Years of Equality and Inclusion” and the motto “We, Timorese Women, Will Never Surrender, We Will Continue to Fight to Achieve Equality and Inclusion”, both approved by the Council of Ministers on August 26^th, 2026.

The commemorative programme, coordinated by the Secretariat of State for Equality, included a national seminar held on October 26th in Dili and will continue on November 6th at the Dili Convention Centre with the official national ceremony. This will feature a seminar on the role of women in peacebuilding, equality, and development, exhibitions highlighting their contributions to the Resistance and state-building, and cultural and artistic performances.

On November 2^nd, 2026, at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, met with Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to review Timor-Leste’s integration process into the regional organisation, outstanding economic commitments, and preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

The meeting took place following the first anniversary of Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN, formalised on October 26^th, 2025, and focused on fulfilling the remaining criteria under the accession roadmap, particularly on concluding the accession process to the organisation’s remaining economic agreements and on establishing the necessary conditions for their implementation.

During the meeting, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay provided an overview of Timor-Leste’s first year of participation as a Member State across the institutional, economic, infrastructure, security, and diplomatic spheres. Preparations at the national level for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029 were also discussed.

Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to continue providing technical assistance to Timor-Leste in meeting its commitments within the organisation.

The national delegation comprised the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu; the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres; the Vice-Minister of Trade and Industry, Augusto Júnior Trindade; Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares; and Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Elisa da Silva.

As part of the visit, the ASEAN Secretary-General hosted an official dinner in honour of the Vice-Prime Minister on November 2^nd, providing an additional opportunity for dialogue on Timor-Leste’s participation in regional organisation initiatives.