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 3rd September 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved seven draft Proposals of National Parliament Resolution , presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, in the context of fulfilling the commitments made in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN, to authorize the country’s accession to the following instruments:

ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). This Agreement, adopted in Vientiane in 2005, is ASEAN’s main legal instrument in the field of civil protection and disaster risk management, establishing regional mechanisms for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in emergency situations. Accession will enable Timor-Leste to fully integrate into regional cooperation structures, benefiting from technical and operational capacity building, information sharing, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance in times of need. ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER).
Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. Under this Agreement, adopted in Bali in 2011, a permanent ASEAN structure was established to support the coordination of regional responses to disasters and humanitarian emergencies, promoting cooperation among Member States and liaison with relevant international organizations. Membership will enable Timor-Leste to benefit from information sharing, rapid mobilization of resources, and specialized technical assistance, strengthening national emergency response capacity.
Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ). This Treaty, adopted in Bangkok in 1995, establishes the commitment of countries in the region to keep Southeast Asia permanently free of nuclear weapons, reinforcing disarmament, non-proliferation, and the promotion of regional and international peace and security. Timor-Leste’s accession was made possible by an amendment approved in May 2025, which expressly included the territory and national maritime zones in the definition of the area covered by the Treaty.
Framework Agreement on the Enhancement of ASEAN Economic Cooperation. This Agreement, adopted in Singapore in 1992, provides the legal and institutional basis for trade liberalization, investment promotion, and enhanced collaboration in various economic sectors among ASEAN Member States. Timor-Leste’s accession will allow full participation in regional economic mechanisms, integrating the country into regional and global value chains.
Protocol on the Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism. This Protocol, adopted in Manila in 2019, is an essential legal instrument for ensuring the effective, predictable, and peaceful resolution of disputes between ASEAN Member States in the context of their economic commitments. Timor-Leste’s accession will ensure legal certainty in trade and economic relations with other Member States, strengthening confidence in the fulfillment of commitments made within the framework of ASEAN.
ASEAN Agreement on Tourism. This Agreement, adopted in Phnom Penh in 2002, establishes a binding legal framework aimed at promoting ASEAN as a single, integrated tourist destination. Among other elements, the Agreement provides for the facilitation of travel within and to ASEAN through visa exemptions and simplified procedures, the development of transport services and tourism infrastructure, and cooperation on vocational training and the recognition of qualifications in the tourism sector.
ASEAN Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MAAS) and Supplementary Protocols. This Agreement, adopted in Manila in 2009, establishes a binding legal regime aimed at liberalizing scheduled passenger air services between ASEAN Member States through the reciprocal granting of rights to third, fourth, and fifth parties, freedom for flights among capitals and ASEAN subregions. Accession to this Agreement and its Protocols strengthens Timor-Leste’s functional sovereignty in formulating its international transport policy, promotes air connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment, and positions the country as a full partner in regional deliberations.

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The Council of Ministers also approved six draft Government Resolutions, also presented by the Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, in the context of fulfilling the commitments made in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN, which approve:

Accession to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Air Pollution (AATHP). This Agreement, adopted in Kuala Lumpur in 2002, has as its main objective to ensure cooperation among ASEAN Member States in the prevention, monitoring, and mitigation of forest fires and their transboundary effects through the promotion of an integrated approach to environmental risk management. It also aims to facilitate cooperation among ASEAN Member States in humanitarian assistance, risk management, information sharing, and technical capacity building, contributing to regional resilience to natural and man-made disasters.
Accession to the Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity. Adopted in 2005, this Agreement established an intergovernmental entity based in the Philippines to support ASEAN Member States in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity promotes regional cooperation, provides technical and scientific assistance, facilitates information sharing, and mobilizes financial resources for joint environmental initiatives. Timor-Leste’s accession to this Agreement will strengthen its institutional capacity in the field of environmental protection, enable it to fully integrate into regional technical networks, and benefit from the technical, scientific, and financial support provided by the Center.
Adherence to the ASEAN University Network (AUN) Charter. This regional instrument, adopted by ASEAN Member States, establishes a network of universities of excellence dedicated to promoting academic, scientific, and technical cooperation. The AUN Charter provides for joint programs in student mobility, scientific research, innovation, and training, ensuring greater collaboration between higher education institutions in Southeast Asia. With this accession, Timor-Leste guarantees the active participation of its universities in the Network, with the right to representation on the Board of Trustees and full access to the Network’s initiatives and programs.
Accession to the Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Center for Active Aging and Innovation (ACAI Center). Adopted in May 2020, this Agreement created an intergovernmental body based in Thailand, dedicated to promoting policies and practices for active, healthy, and productive aging in ASEAN Member States. The Center functions as a space for knowledge and innovation, supporting public policy formulation, scientific research, and the implementation of capacity-building programs aimed at improving the quality of life of older people.
Accession to the Ministerial Understanding on ASEAN Tourism Cooperation. This instrument, signed in 1998, establishes a framework for cooperation among ASEAN Member States to develop and promote the region as a single, integrated tourist destination. The Understanding provides for joint actions in promoting tourism, facilitating travel within the region, strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, and developing infrastructure, training, and exchange programs.
Accession to the ASEAN Ministerial Understanding on Mineral Cooperation. This instrument, signed in 2005, establishes a framework for collaboration among ASEAN Member States for the development of the mineral sector, the strengthening of trade and investment in this field, and the promotion of responsible, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive management practices. The Agreement also provides for the creation of a regional database, the implementation of research and technology transfer programs, and the strengthening of cooperation between the public and private sectors.
A financial contribution to be granted to the ASEAN Secretariate, to cover the logistics and administrative costs related to Timor-Leste’s full accession as Member-State.

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The Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, also made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the logistical preparations for the ceremony marking Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, to be held in Malaysia on October 26, 2025. END