The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, paid an official visit to Japan between March 1^st and 5^th, 2026, travelling to Tokyo and Fukuyama to bolster bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Japan in areas such as justice, institutional development, human resources training, and investment. 

The highlight of the visit was the signing, on March 5^th, in Tokyo, of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministries of Justice of Timor-Leste and Japan. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in developing the justice system, training human resources, and sharing experiences and best practices between institutions in both countries.

At the signing ceremony, the Minister of Justice was accompanied by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Japan, Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas, and an official delegation from the Ministry of Justice. The memorandum continues the cooperation that Timor-Leste and Japan have been developing in the justice sector, including technical training and institutional strengthening.

During his visit, the Minister of Justice also attended a courtesy meeting in Tokyo with Special Advisor Dr Terada, where they discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in institutional development, human resources training, and the modernisation of the justice sector.

Also on March 5^th, the delegation met with officials from the Supreme Court of Japan to learn about the structure and functioning of Japan’s highest court, including mechanisms to ensure judicial independence, procedural efficiency, and the rule of law.

The agenda in Tokyo also included a working visit to Itochu Corporation to promote investment opportunities in Timor-Leste. During the meeting, the company’s areas of activity were presented, and possibilities for cooperation in human resource development, industry, and job creation for Timorese youth were discussed.

On March 4^th, in Fukuyama, the Minister of Justice met with officials from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a company planning to invest in the construction of a naval industrial unit in Laleia, in the municipality of Manatuto. During the meeting, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the procedures necessary for the project’s realisation, including issues related to land use and the development of supporting infrastructure.

During their visit to Tsuneishi, the Minister and the delegation observed the company’s activities and met with Timorese workers undergoing training and working in technical fields, namely in design, welding, and ship painting. These workers are expected to return to Timor-Leste to participate in the future industrial project in Laleia.

Also, on March 4^th, the Minister of Justice took part in a joint study meeting between the Parliamentary League for Rule of Law Diplomacy and the Japan-Timor-Leste Parliamentary Friendship League in Tokyo. During the meeting, the outcomes of legal cooperation since 2009 were emphasised, particularly through the joint programme for the study of legislative matters, which has helped train national staff and prepare legal instruments.

On March 3^rd, the Minister of Justice met with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to discuss Japan’s support for the development of the justice sector in Timor-Leste. The meeting focused on institutional strengthening, professional training, technical support, and addressing the demands arising from Timor-Leste’s regional integration.

Additionally, on March 3^rd, a courtesy meeting was held with the President of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, during which experiences related to the organisation of the profession were exchanged, and possibilities for future collaboration between the legal communities of the two countries were discussed.

On March 2^nd, the delegation attended a dinner hosted by the International Centre for Civil and Commercial Law to strengthen dialogue and legal cooperation between the two parties. On the same day, the Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Research and Training Institute and its training centre, where he observed the training programmes developed for justice-sector officials and operators.

The visit allowed for the strengthening of cooperation between Timor-Leste and Japan in the justice sector and enhanced institutional and economic ties to reinforce bilateral relations between the two nations.