On November 28th, Timor-Leste will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Proclamation of Independence. In 1975, after more than four centuries of colonial rule, the text of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste was read by the first President of the Republic, Francisco Xavier do Amaral.

The celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence will take place in all municipalities, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) and in Ataúro, with the aim of promoting the values of peace, solidarity and democracy, ensuring a celebration of a national character, participatory and close to the population.

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, through Order No. 023/PM/XI/2025, of November 7th, 2025, appointed the members of the Government responsible for representing the Executive at the official ceremonies of the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, to be held throughout the national territory.

In Dili, the main ceremonies will take place at the Government Palace, attended by the Deputy Prime Ministers, the Ministers of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, State Administration, Defense and the Interior, as well as the Deputy Ministers of Finance, for ASEAN Affairs and State Administration, and the Secretaries of State for Equality, Media, Arts and Culture, Rural Development, Toponymy and Urban Organization, and Civil Protection.

In the remaining municipalities and regions, the Government will be represented by ministers, deputy ministers, and secretaries of state, distributed as follows:

• Aileu – Minister of Health, Deputy Ministers for Institutional Strengthening of Health and for Hospital Operations, and Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment;
• Ainaro – Minister for National Liberation of Combatants Affairs and Secretary of State for Veterans;
•  Ataúro – Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs;
• Baucau – Minister of Education and Secretary of State of General Secondary Education and Vocational Secondary Education;
• Bobonaro – Minister of Justice, Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening and Secretary of State for Land and Property;
• Covalima – Minister of Trade and Industry and Deputy Minister of Trade;
• Dili – Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion;
• Ermera – Minister of Transportation and Communications;
• Lautém – Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Secretary of State for Cooperatives;
• Liquiçá – Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture;
• Manatuto – Ministro do Planeamento e Investimento Estratégico;
• Manufahi – Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture;Oe-Cusse Ambeno – Minister of Public Works, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Secretary of State for Electricity, Water and Sanitation;
• Viqueque – Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry, and Secretaries of State for Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry.
  
  

The order also instructs all designated members, as well as the respective heads of the Public Administration, to actively participate in the preparatory activities and public events associated with the ceremonies, including the opening of fairs and exhibitions, and to collaborate with the Organizing Committee for the Official Ceremonies Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence in mobilizing the population for widespread participation throughout the country. END