Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 12th September 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace, in Dili and approved fifteen draft National Parliament Resolution Proposals, 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 the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for the approval of the country’s accession to the following instruments:

Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms. This Protocol, adopted in Hanoi in 2010, establishes formal procedures for the peaceful settlement of disputes between ASEAN Member States concerning the interpretation or application of the organization’s Charter and other legal instruments. Timor-Leste’s accession to this Protocol and its complementary instruments will enable it to participate fully in regional dispute settlement mechanisms, ensuring equal treatment and access to the institutional means available to Member States. With this decision, Timor-Leste reaffirms its legal and political commitment to the principles of the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes, thereby consolidating its political and legal integration into the ASEAN community.
ASEAN Agreement on Privileges and Immunities. This Agreement recognizes the legal status of ASEAN as an intergovernmental organization and defines the privileges and immunities necessary for the functioning of its organs, the Secretary-General, Secretariat staff, Permanent Representatives and officials on mission in the territories of Member States. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument will enable the country to participate on an equal footing in ASEAN structures and activities, ensuring conditions for hosting the organization’s meetings, missions and projects. With this decision, Timor-Leste reinforces its commitment to international law, creates appropriate legal conditions for regional cooperation and consolidates its full integration into ASEAN.
Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat and its Amending Protocols. The ASEAN Secretariat, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the organization’s main administrative body, responsible for coordinating and implementing the decisions of its organs, managing regional programs and promoting cohesion among Member-States. The Agreement and its Amending Protocols define the structure, functioning and powers of this body, constituting fundamental legal instruments for its regular and effective functioning. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument ensures its full integration into the institutional architecture of ASEAN and allows the country to participate actively in the organization’s administrative and decision-making processes. With this decision, Timor-Leste formally recognizes the central role of the Secretariat and strengthens its capacity to contribute to the coordination and implementation of regional policies.
Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Development Fund (ADF) and its Protocol. This legal instrument establishes the legal and institutional basis necessary for the mobilization, management and application of resources intended to finance regional cooperation programs and projects. Timor-Leste’s accession to this mechanism ensures its eligibility to benefit from ASEAN funding and participate in the planning, evaluation and implementation of programs financed by these Funds. With this decision, Timor-Leste commits to contributing to the common fund, with an initial contribution of one million US dollars.
Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. This Treaty, adopted in Kuala Lumpur in 2004, is a regional legal instrument for criminal cooperation among ASEAN Member States. The Treaty establishes formal mechanisms for mutual assistance in investigation, inquiry, collection and sharing of evidence, prosecution and other forms of legal assistance in criminal cases. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument will strengthen international cooperation in the prevention and suppression of transnational organized crime, promoting the effectiveness of criminal justice, information sharing and the execution of requests for legal assistance between ASEAN Member States. With this decision, Timor-Leste aligns itself with the commitments made in the Roadmap for ASEAN Accession and strengthens its criminal justice system, contributing to the effective prevention and suppression of crimes such as money laundering, corruption, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism. This Convention, adopted in Cebu, Philippines, in 2007, establishes a binding legal framework to strengthen regional cooperation in the prevention, investigation and suppression of terrorism in all its forms, in accordance with the principles of international law, including respect for human rights and humanitarian law. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument will enable it to align its national legislation and policies with regional commitments, ensuring its participation in ASEAN’s coordination and collective response mechanisms. With this decision, Timor-Leste strengthens its integration into the regional security architecture and demonstrates its commitment to peace, stability and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. This Convention, adopted in Kuala Lumpur in 2015, is a fundamental regional legal instrument in the fight against human trafficking, with an emphasis on the protection of women and children. The Convention establishes mechanisms for cooperation among ASEAN Member States to strengthen the prevention, investigation and prosecution of this crime, as well as to ensure support and assistance to victims. Timor-Leste’s accession will enable it to align its national legislative framework with regional and international commitments, strengthen the institutions responsible for justice and social protection, and consolidate regional cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime.
ASEAN Agreement on Customs. This Agreement, adopted in Phnom Penh in 2012, establishes a binding legal framework for harmonization, modernization and regional cooperation in customs matters among ASEAN Member States. Its objectives are to facilitate intraregional trade, promote administrative modernization and ensure greater transparency, efficiency and security in customs procedures.
Agreement and Protocols on the ASEAN Single Window. This set of legal instruments, adopted between 2005 and 2015, constitutes the binding regime for the creation and operation of National Single Windows, interconnected through the ASEAN Single Window. The system enables the electronic processing of commercial, customs and logistics documents, promoting transparency and efficiency in border procedures.
Amendment on the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) Protocols. These instruments, adopted between 2003 and 2010, establish the common nomenclature for the tariff classification of goods in the region, based on the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System. The AHTN is essential for the implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods Transit (AFAFGIT) and its nine Protocols. This Agreement, concluded in 1998, establishes a harmonized legal regime for the international transit of goods by land between ASEAN Member States, including rules on transit permits, border posts, technical requirements for vehicles, compulsory insurance, sanitary measures and the transport of dangerous goods.
ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalization of Passenger Air Services (MAFLPAS) and its four Protocols. This Agreement, signed in 2010, is one of the pillars of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) and establishes a binding legal framework for the full liberalization of scheduled passenger air services between Member States. Its Protocols allow codeshare and co-terminalization operations on international routes. The ASEAN Single Aviation Market aims to promote an integrated, safe, competitive and liberalized airspace among ASEAN Member States.
ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalization of Air Freight Services (MAFLAFS) and its two Protocols. This Agreement, signed in 2009, regulates the provision of air freight services between ASEAN Member States, guaranteeing reciprocal traffic rights without restrictions on capacity, frequency or type of aircraft. The Agreement also provides for the exemption of customs duties and charges on aeronautical materials and equipment, the possibility of operations with leased aircraft, as well as measures to ensure fair competition and operational safety.
ASEAN Energy Cooperation Agreement and its two Protocols of Amendment (1995 and 1997). This Agreement, initially signed in Manila in 1986 and amended in 1995 and 1997, establishes a binding legal framework for regional cooperation on energy matters, covering research, exploration and development of energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, safety and emergency plans, technical training and investment promotion. The Protocols expanded the areas of cooperation and adapted the institutional structure of ASEAN.
Agreement and Amending Protocol for the Establishment of the ASEAN Animal Health Trust Fund. This financial mechanism aims to provide financial support for regional initiatives in the field of animal health, contributing to the prevention, control and eradication of transboundary diseases, as well as to the strengthening of Member States’ institutional capacities in this area. The Protocol introduces improvements in the governance and management of the Fund, enhancing its transparency and responsiveness to emerging needs in the region, in line with the principles of good governance and regional solidarity.

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The Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution, presented by the Minister of Defense, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on the joint operational commitment between Falintil-Defense Forces of Timor-Leste and the National Police of Timor-Leste, aimed at maintaining public order during visits to Timor-Leste by various dignitaries and members of Governments of friendly countries, as well as in the context of major national events, such as Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, the official ceremonies for the inauguration of the new President of Timor-Leste, the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Portugal, the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Angola, the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Mozambique, the inauguration of , as well as in the context of major national events, such as Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, the official ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, and the Christmas and New Year festivities.

A The Government Resolution establishes patrol and surveillance operations in sensitive locations in all municipalities, preventing acts of social instability. The Task Force will be coordinated by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Commander-General of the PNTL, with support from various government and institutional entities.

The resolution also provides for specific measures, such as the definition of chains of command, rules of engagement and intelligence support, as well as the proportionate use of force in accordance with current legislation. The Task Force will operate from September 14^th, 2025, to January 6^th, 2026.

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Finally, the Council of Ministers expresses its solidarity with the people, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the authorities of the province of Bali in facing the devastating effects of the floods that have hit the island in recent days. Heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and landslides, resulting in at least 14 deaths, several people missing and hundreds displaced. The phenomena also caused significant destruction to homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, as well as damage to local economic activities, including areas of tourist importance. In this context, a draft Government Resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, was approved, authorizing a donation of two and a half million US dollars to the province of Bali to support humanitarian assistance efforts and the recovery of the affected populations. END