Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 29th 2025
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 May 29th 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service, Longuinhos Monteiro, regarding the Organic Law of the National Strategic Intelligence Service.
With the enactment of this legislation, Decree-Law No. 3/2009 of January 15th, which established the former National Intelligence Service (SNI – acronym in Portuguese), will be revoked to enhance the State's ability to respond to complex and emerging threats, including acts of terrorism, sabotage, espionage, transnational organised, crime, threats to critical State infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The National Strategic Intelligence Service (SNIE – acronym in Portuguese) is a specialised government agency responsible for producing and evaluating strategic intelligence, as well as coordinating and supervising the national intelligence community to ensure an integrated and efficient approach to national security.
Among the primary innovations introduced by the new decree are the establishment of specialised structures, such as the National Cyber Security Directorate and Integrated Border Management Posts; the enhancement of data protection and information compartmentalisation, with specific rules governing the operation of the Data Processing Centre; and the provision for limited but legally permissible action in circumstances of flagrante delicto or danger in delay, as stipulated by the existing criminal and criminal procedural legislation.
With the reform of this institution, the Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the rule of law, defending national sovereignty, and modernising Timor-Leste's strategic security instruments in line with international standards and the demands of the current context.
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The draft proposal for a National Parliament Resolution regarding the ratification of the Agreement through the exchange of diplomatic notes between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of Malaysia on the exemption from visa requirements for all types of passports (diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary) has also been approved. The ratification of this agreement aims to further deepen existing relations, facilitate tourist exchanges between the two parties, and fulfil the commitments made by Timor-Leste in the context of its full accession to ASEAN.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution presented by the Ministry of Justice regarding the appointment of permanent and alternate members of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Considering that of the four members of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office, one member and their respective alternate are appointed by the Government from among national citizens of recognised merit, holding a law degree and enjoying full civil and political rights, who, at the time of appointment, are not judicial magistrates or magistrates of the Public Prosecutor's Office. Considering that the previous members appointed by the Government to the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office have completed their term of office, the Government has decided to appoint Virna Lorença de Carvalho as a permanent member of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office and Timótio de Deus as an alternate member of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
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The draft decree-law presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, which establishes public subsidies for both public and private higher education institutions operating in Timor-Leste, was also approved.
The primary objectives of this decree-law are to enhance the quality of higher education and promote the financial sustainability of institutions. This grant seeks to encourage the ongoing improvement of teaching, infrastructure, and technological conditions in higher education institutions. The awarding of this grant is contingent upon compliance with stringent quality and institutional performance criteria defined by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.
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Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presented the planned activities for World Oceans Week, which will occur from June 1st to 8th, as part of the celebration of World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8th. The programme includes sports, cultural, and awareness-raising activities aimed at protecting the oceans nationwide, with a particular emphasis on coastal municipalities.
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The Prime Minister also delivered a presentation on the current status of the preparation of the Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan – Promoting a Resilient and Sustainable Blue Economy in Timor-Leste (2025–2030).
This policy aims to promote a new paradigm of economic development centred on the sustainable use of marine resources, while also contributing to the improvement of living conditions for populations and the preservation of ecosystems. It is founded on a set of integrated policies and actions focused on the sea, which seek to bolster the country's economic and social development through sound environmental practices, in a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive manner, ensuring the long-term balance of ecosystems and marine resources.
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Lastly, the draft Government Resolution presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, was approved, establishing the creation of an interministerial task force responsible for implementing the recommendations contained in the ASEAN Chair's Statement issued at the 46th ASEAN Summit. This task force aims to complete the necessary formal procedures and expedite negotiations on the main economic agreements essential for Timor-Leste's full accession to the organisation, which is scheduled for October 2025. END
