Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, met today, May 28th, 2026, at the Government Palace in Dili with Pēteris Ustubs, Director of International Partnerships for Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission, accompanied by the European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Thorsten Bargfred, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and the European Union in strategic areas, including state modernisation, the digitisation of public administration, cybersecurity, regional integration, and the development of maritime infrastructure. 
The meeting took place during Pēteris Ustubs’ visit to Timor-Leste for the signing tomorrow of two new financing agreements between Timor-Leste and the European Union, covering the “Creation and Development of Sustainable Businesses and the Circular Economy (CRESCE)” and “E-Governance for the Judicial System in Timor-Leste (e-JUS TL)” programmes. The CRESCE programme provides three million euros to support the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with a focus on sustainable initiatives, the circular economy, and access to credit. The e-JUS TL project, funded with six million euros, aims to modernise and digitise the national judicial system to enhance service efficiency, access to justice, and interoperability among institutions in the justice sector.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current framework for bilateral cooperation, which is structured around the European Union’s Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021–2027 and provides support in areas such as governance, sustainable economic development, regional integration, and the digital transition.
Opportunities for cooperation related to ASEAN regional integration and Timor-Leste’s participation in regional initiatives within the Indo-Pacific framework were also discussed, along with new and emerging areas of cooperation, including the digital transformation of public administration, the interoperability of government information systems, the strengthening of national cybersecurity capabilities, and the development of strategic maritime infrastructure.
In the area of digitising public administration, Minister Agio Pereira presented ongoing initiatives to modernise public services, streamline administrative procedures, and enhance institutional transparency through integrated digital platforms. Among the projects currently under development are the full digitisation of the legislative process and the Official Gazette, with the aim of improving access to legislation and strengthening the security and authenticity of documents.
The discussions also addressed strengthening cooperation on cybersecurity and digital security, including institutional capacity building, cyber-incident response mechanisms, the protection of critical digital infrastructure, and the resilience of public institutions. The Minister also highlighted the growing challenges posed by cybercrime and digital threats in Southeast Asia.
The discussion also covered the Government’s cybersecurity legislative package currently under development, which aims to establish a modern legal framework for the protection of networks and information systems, digital governance, and data protection. Minister Agio also highlighted the importance of preparing public institutions, municipalities, and citizens for the challenges associated with increased digital connectivity and cyber threats.
Regarding maritime infrastructure and the development of the South Coast, the Minister highlighted the Government’s vision for this project, conceived not merely as an energy venture but as an integrated national development strategy. In this context, he emphasised the strengthening of port infrastructure, maritime logistics, regional connectivity, and the development of the blue economy, as well as components related to industrial zones, energy supply, urban development, road connectivity, and technical and vocational training, all within the framework of economic diversification and sustainable development.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers also emphasised the strategic importance of the undersea cable link between Timor-Leste and Australia, stressing that the expansion of digital connectivity must be accompanied by appropriate measures to safeguard digital sovereignty, data security, and the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The meeting reflected a mutual desire to deepen cooperation between Timor-Leste and the European Union, grounded in mutual respect, trust, sustainability, and a shared vision of prosperity and stability, firmly anchored in the national priorities set out in the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan, the Program of the 9th Constitutional Government, and the commitments associated with Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.