The organic structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation consists of the General Secretariat, responsible for ensuring instrumental or support services for the internal functioning of the ministry, in the areas of general work, financial management and coordinating with respective 8 national directorates under its administration; the General Directorate for Bilateral Affairs, responsible for monitoring and coordinating the diplomatic relations among Timor-Leste with other States over three national directorates; the General Directorate for Multilateral and Regional Affairs, responsible for monitoring and coordinating Timor-Leste's participation within the framework of international organizations with the reinforcement by 3 National Directorates; the Directorate General for ASEAN Affairs, responsible for monitoring the ASEAN accession process. This directorate has 3 national Directorates; the General Directorate for Consular and Protocol Affairs, responsible for administer the network of Timor-Leste's consular posts, and organizing the State's protocol under the establishment of the three core national directorates; Lastly, the Inspection and Audit Office that responsible for verifying compliance with legislation and regulations relating to the functioning of the Ministry's internal and external peripheral services. The Inspection and Audit Office reports directly to the Minister. The Inspector of the Inspection and Audit Office, appointed under the terms of the management and leadership positions of the Public Administration.
Minister Profile
BENDITO DOS SANTOS FREITAS
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes was born in Atsabe (Ermera), Timor-Leste, on 26 April 1972. She currently serves as Vice Minister ofForeign Affairs and Cooperation ofthe Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. She brings over two decades of distinguished service in public administration, governance, and human rights at both national and international levels.
Prior to her current appointment, she served as Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic and as Chairperson of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening accountability, promoting good governance, and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Her earlier roles include Deputy Ombudsman, Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, and Inspector General of the Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management, contributing significantly to civil service reform and institutional capacity- building in Timor-Leste.
In addition to her government service, she has an academic background as a lecturer at the National University of Timor-Leste, specializing in public administration, governance, and organizational management. She has also contributed to international development programs through her work with organizations such as AusAID, USAID, and the United States Peace Corps.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, a Bachelor’s degree in Governmental Science from the Institute of Governmental Studies in Jakarta, Indonesia, and a Diploma (Level III) in Governmental Science from the School of Government of Home Affairs (STPDN), Jatinangor, Indonesia. She is fluent in Tetum, English, and Indonesian, with working proficiency in Portuguese.
In recognition ofher service, she was awarded the Order ofTimor-Leste (Collar Degree) in 2023. She continues to actively represent Timor-Leste in regional and international forums, advancing the country’s diplomatic engagement, human rights agenda, and commitment to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Vice Minister Profile
MS. MILENA MARIA DA COSTA RANGEL VICE MINISTER FOR ASEAN AFFAIRS
Vice-Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Cooperação da República Democrática de Timor-Leste
Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes was born in Atsabe (Ermera), Timor-Leste, on 26 April 1972. She currently serves as Vice Minister ofForeign Affairs and Cooperation ofthe Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. She brings over two decades of distinguished service in public administration, governance, and human rights at both national and international levels.
Prior to her current appointment, she served as Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic and as Chairperson of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening accountability, promoting good governance, and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Her earlier roles include Deputy Ombudsman, Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, and Inspector General of the Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management, contributing significantly to civil service reform and institutional capacity- building in Timor-Leste.
In addition to her government service, she has an academic background as a lecturer at the National University of Timor-Leste, specializing in public administration, governance, and organizational management. She has also contributed to international development programs through her work with organizations such as AusAID, USAID, and the United States Peace Corps.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, a Bachelor’s degree in Governmental Science from the Institute of Governmental Studies in Jakarta, Indonesia, and a Diploma (Level III) in Governmental Science from the School of Government of Home Affairs (STPDN), Jatinangor, Indonesia. She is fluent in Tetum, English, and Indonesian, with working proficiency in Portuguese.
In recognition ofher service, she was awarded the Order ofTimor-Leste (Collar Degree) in 2023. She continues to actively represent Timor-Leste in regional and international forums, advancing the country’s diplomatic engagement, human rights agenda, and commitment to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Secretary General Profile
AMBASSADOR JOÃO FREITAS DE CÂMARA
O Secretário-Geral do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Cooperação de Timor-Leste
O Embaixador João Freitas de Câmara tem sido uma parte integrante do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Cooperação desde a sua criação, contribuindo para o estabelecimento e crescimento da instituição. Ao longo da sua carreira, ocupou várias posições, incluindo o cargo de Embaixador de Timor-Leste em Myanmar e na Tailândia. Também já desempenhou anteriormente papéis na gestão do ministério como Diretor-Geral e Secretário-Geral.
O Embaixador João Freitas de Câmara tem sido uma parte integrante do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Cooperação desde a sua criação, contribuindo para o estabelecimento e crescimento da instituição. Ao longo da sua carreira, ocupou vários cargos, incluindo o de Embaixador de Timor-Leste na Tailândia e Mianmar, bem como cargos de gestão sénior no ministério como Diretor-Geral e Secretário-Geral, que ocupa agora pela segunda vez.
O Sr. Câmara formou-se em Direito pela Universidade Católica, UNIKA ATMA JAYA em Jacarta, Indonésia, e prosseguiu os estudos em Economia na Universidade Aberta de Jacarta. Além disso, obteve um mestrado em Gestão e Desenvolvimento Organizacional pela Assumption University em Bangkok, Tailândia.
Antes da sua carreira diplomática, o Sr. Câmara teve uma longa história de envolvimento no movimento de resistência pela independência de Timor-Leste. Serviu como colaborador para a Região de Bobonaro, Setor da Fronteira Sul, de 1976 a 1979. Enquanto estudou na Indonésia, esteve envolvido na resistência clandestina em Jacarta e arredores entre 1980 e 1991, o que levou à sua captura e detenção na Prisão de Cipinang em Jacarta de 1991 a 1999, quando o país foi finalmente libertado. Reconhecendo a sua dedicação, foi-lhe atribuída a Medalha da Ordem de Nicolau Lobato, Grau B, pelos anos de serviço na resistência armada e clandestina.
O Sr. Câmara é fluente em português, inglês e indonésio, bem como em kemak e tetum, duas das muitas línguas nativas de Timor-Leste.
MoFAC Chart’s
