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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 4th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution on supporting the Apostolic Nunciature in Dili in preparation for His Holiness Pope Francis’s visit to Timor-Leste.
This Government Resolution authorises purchasing and donating a lift to the Apostolic Nunciature in Dili, which will be installed in its building. The aim is to improve the mobility conditions of His Holiness Pope Francis during his stay in the country between September 9th and 11th, 2024. The maximum cost of purchasing this lift will be US$61,500.
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The draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, for the approval of the National Core Curriculum for the Third Cycle of Basic Education, which covers grades 7th, 8th, and 9th, was also approved.
This curriculum, which replaces the 2011 version, aims to unify and modernise basic education to provide quality education in line with contemporary needs. The main objectives include developing scientific and linguistic knowledge and strengthening skills such as analytical-critical thinking, creativity, communication, and valuing cultural traditions. Of particular note is the introduction of the subject ‘Human Fraternity, Morals and Ethics’, inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to promote peace and harmonious coexistence.
Implementing this curriculum will promote an inclusive approach to diversity and introduce innovative elements such as digital literacy and physical and mental well-being. Schools will have the autonomy to adapt the curriculum according to regional characteristics as long as they respect the guiding principles.
Upon completing this cycle, students are intended to be able to actively participate in society with advanced scientific knowledge while preserving the traditions that shape Timorese identity and developing critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions with discernment and responsibility.
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The Council of Ministers approved, after re-examination, the draft Decree-Law on the Statute of Police Officers of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL – acronym in Portuguese), which had been approved at the Council of Ministers meeting on May 29th, 2024.
The draft Decree-Law, now revised, maintains the objective of establishing a new PNTL Police Statute to strengthen existing regulations. Among the changes introduced, it is worth highlighting the redefinition of promotion criteria, emphasis on meritocracy, and clarification of incompatibilities in exercising police functions. In addition, leadership positions in the PNTL were adjusted to better respond to the institution’s current organisational and operational requirements.
This Drecree-Law reflects the importance of guaranteeing a professional, well-trained and structured national police force, aiming to consolidate the rule of law and promote democracy on national territory.
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The Council of Ministers also approved a Government Resolution congratulating the entire population for their significant participation and collaboration during the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Popular Consultation. The Government praises the spirit of unity, festivity, and peace that prevailed throughout the country, reflecting the deep commitment of the Timorese to building a prosperous and harmonious future for the country.
In this regard, the Government is appealing to the population to maintain this spirit of peace and unity during His Holiness Pope Francis’s visit to Timor-Leste next week, reaffirming the welcoming and fraternal nature of the Timorese nation.
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Lastly, the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina J. R. F. Cardoso, for the appointment of Joanico Pinto as Commissioner of the Customs Authority was approved, considering his technical capacity and vast professional experience. END