On August 11^th, 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan signed an Exchange of Notes Agreement, worth approximately US$ 6 million, to support the strengthening of the operational capacities of Radio-Television Timor-Leste and for the construction of its new headquarters. The signing ceremony took place at the United Nations premises in Dili.

The agreement was signed by the Ambassador of Japan in Timor-Leste, Tetsuya Kimura, and the interim UNDP Resident Representative, Adeline Carrier, in the presence of the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Funmi Balogun.

The level of structural damage to the RTTL, EP headquarters caused by the 2021 floods has been hampering the proper functioning of the institution. Through this agreement between UNDP and Japan, financial and technical support will be provided to RTTL, including support for constructing a new headquarters and strengthening its operational capacities. 

The Japanese Ambassador stated that “Japan will contribute approximately US$ 6 million for the construction of a new national broadcasting station headquarters building, which will include an auditorium, recording studios and rooms for journalists”. The project also includes “technical training to support the development of the RTTL team’s technical capabilities”.

The diplomat also added that “as a country that shares the values of democracy, Japan is proud and grateful to be able to contribute in this area” and expressed the hope “that RTTL can improve its operational capabilities through this initiative”.

Adeline Carrier, head of UNDP, stressed the importance of “RTTL attracting and involving young people, both as audiences and as authors of its programs”.

The Secretary of State for Social Communication acknowledged the Japanese people’s support for constructing the new RTTL headquarters and expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with UNDP in implementing the project”.