Government of Timor-Leste

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Dili, October 28^th, 2025

Press Release

Government Urges Public to Welcome the Arrival of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister Following Timor-Leste's Full Membership of ASEAN

The Government encourages all civil servants, other State employees, and the public to take part in the national celebration marking Timor-Leste's full membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while welcoming the arrival in Dili of Their Excellencies the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister. The Government invites everyone to participate by wearing the ASEAN-themed T-shirt (Together We Rise) or, alternatively, a white T-shirt.

The President of the Republic is scheduled to arrive at Nicolau Lobato International Airport tomorrow, October 29^th, at 6:30 a.m., and the Prime Minister at 5:00 p.m., on Aerodili flights. The Government invites citizens to express their joy and delight at this historic moment, both at the airport and along the route, upon the arrival of the Heads of State and Government.

Timor-Leste's full membership of ASEAN marks a historic milestone and the culmination of a joint effort by the institutions of the State and the Timorese people, who, since regaining independence, have worked with determination to reach this strategic goal. This integration strengthens the national commitment to democracy, sovereignty, and regional cooperation, creating new opportunities for economic development, investment, trade, education, youth, and technology.

This historic achievement results from the dedicated efforts of the President of the Republic, the Government, other State institutions, and the Timorese, who have consistently worked to meet membership requirements, strengthen internal capacities, and actively participate in the organisation's bodies and initiatives.

Notwithstanding the maintenance and quality of public service, Order No. 02/VPM-II/X/2025 stipulates that the highest officials of the Public Administration services shall facilitate the exemption from the duty of attendance for their respective employees during the appropriate periods at the beginning and end of tomorrow's working hours, allowing everyone to participate in the celebrations of this historic moment.

The Government urges the entire population to celebrate this new chapter in national history with pride and unity, showcasing Timor-Leste as a full and active member of the Southeast Asian regional community. END

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ORDER No. 02/VPM-II/X/2025

 

Calls on all civil servants and other State employees to welcome the arrival in Dili of Their Excellencies the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister.

Whereas the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, since the restoration of its independence in 2002, has defined full integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a strategic priority, with a view to strengthening political, economic, and sociocultural cooperation with countries in the region;

Whereas ASEAN is the primary framework for regional integration in Southeast Asia, promoting peace, stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development among its Member States;

Whereas the admission of Timor-Leste as a Member State of ASEAN represents recognition of the country's ongoing commitment to the principles and values enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, including democracy, respect for human rights, sovereignty, and territorial integrity;

Whereas the integration of Timor-Leste into ASEAN will open up new opportunities for economic development, trade, investment, connectivity, education, youth, and technological cooperation, contributing decisively to the growth and well-being of the country and its population;

Whereas this milestone reinforces Timor-Leste's role as a partner committed to regional cooperation and the building of a more united, resilient, and prosperous community in Southeast Asia;

Whereas this historic achievement is the result of the diligent efforts of the President of the Republic, the Government, other State institutions, and the Timorese, who have worked consistently to meet the requirements for membership, strengthen internal capacities, and actively participate in the organisation's bodies and initiatives;

Therefore, pursuant to the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of Decree-Law No. 46/2023 of July 28^th, I hereby determine the following:

1. Call on all civil servants and other State employees, as well as the entire population, to express their joy and commitment to this new phase for Timor-Leste as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
2. To urge civil servants and the rest of the population to express their joy and delight, tomorrow, Wednesday, at Nicolau Lobato International Airport and along the route, upon the arrival of His Excellency the President of the Republic, on the Aerodili flight scheduled to arrive at 6:30 a.m., and His Excellency the Prime Minister, on the Aerodili flight scheduled to arrive at 5:00 p.m..
3. Notwithstanding the maintenance and quality of public services to be provided tomorrow, senior public administration officials should exempt their human resources from the duty of attendance for an appropriate period at the beginning and end of the working day tomorrow.
4. This order covers all civil servants, agents, and workers who perform activities in the direct administration services of the State, whether central or decentralised, or in indirect administration bodies.
5. The human resources of public services, which, due to the nature of their activity, must remain in operation during that period, are excepted from the previous paragraph.

 

To be published.

Dili, October 28^th, 2025

Acting Prime Minister

Mariano Assanami Sabino