Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation - Official Portal MFAC Timor-Leste

His Excellency Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia, resumed his duties at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta.

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:48:58 +0000

His Excellency Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia, resumed his duties at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta.

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:48

Jakarta — On 13 July 2026, His Excellency Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia, resumed his duties at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta.

From 6 to 10 July 2026, Ambassador Soares undertook a five-day working visit to Dili to support preparations for the official visit of Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, to Dili from 8 to 10 July 2026.

The visit was made at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. During her visit, Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri held meetings with the President of Timor-Leste, the Speaker of the National Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Court of Appeal. She was conferred the highest honor of Timor-Leste, the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste.

His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão hosted a friendship and working lunch in honor of Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri’s visit to Timor-Leste.

While in Dili, Ambassador Soares held a series of meetings to coordinate and advance bilateral priorities, including:

* A meeting with His Excellency Dr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

* A meeting with His Excellency Rear Admiral Donanciano do Rosário da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, Minister of Defence

* A meeting with His Excellency Mr. Jorge Soares Cristovão, Secretary of State for Art and Culture

* A meeting with the Office of Land and Maritime Boundaries of Timor-Leste

* The handover of a Book of Condolence containing messages of comfort, sympathy, and solidarity on the passing of former President Dr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo” to Mrs. Cidália Nobre Guterres, spouse of the late President

The discussions focused on updating perspectives on matters of national interest and on further strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

Ambassador Soares extends his profound admiration and respectful appreciation to the Office of the President of the Republic, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for their extraordinary teamwork in extending the warmest hospitality and ensuring excellent organization in hosting the visit of Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegates.

“The visit of Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri to Timor-Leste further strengthened the enduring collaboration, friendship, and solidarity between the peoples of Timor-Leste and Indonesia, and made an exceptional contribution to our diplomatic relations and cooperation,” Ambassador Roberto Soares stated.

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:30:34 +0000

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:30

H.E 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, today attended the Opening Ceremony of the new working premises of the 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒐𝒇 𝑽𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝑵𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒍𝒊, reaffirming Timor-Leste's commitment to its longstanding friendship and Comprehensive Partnership with Viet Nam.

On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, H.E. Francisco Kalbuady Lay, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, delivered the official remarks, highlighting the growing strategic cooperation between the two countries. Minister Bendito joined the ceremony, including the ribbon-cutting, flag-raising, and commemorative activities, underscoring the shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢, 𝟏𝟓 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐6

Ms. Milena Rangel, Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, met with H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment,

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:27:39 +0000

Ms. Milena Rangel, Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, met with H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment,

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:27

Farol, Dili — Ms. Milena Rangel, Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs, met with H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, to discuss preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship National Organizing Committee (ACNOC) meeting.15 July 2026

DILI, 14 JULY 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC) in cooperation with the ASEAN-China Mission in Jakarta, the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund, and the ASEAN Secretariat, officially launched a three-day intensive workshop titled "ASE

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:22:59 +0000

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:22

DILI, 14 JULY 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC) in cooperation with the ASEAN-China Mission in Jakarta, the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund, and the ASEAN Secretariat, officially launched a three-day intensive workshop titled "ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) Promotion and ASEAN Project Development Training," held at the Novo Turismo Hotel in Dili.

The opening session was formally delivered and opened by H.E. Ambassador Jorge Camões, Director General for ASEAN Affairs at MNEC. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Ma Xiaohui, Counsellor of the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, and featured a virtual video message from H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs.

In his opening remarks, Director General Camões highlighted the critical importance of this course in equipping government officials across all line ministries with the practical tools and technical skills needed to design high-quality regional project proposals. He emphasized that mastering these mechanisms under the ASEAN Project Management Framework is essential as Timor-Leste actively prepares to fulfill its regional obligations and align national initiatives with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Director General Camões extends his deepest appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Mission of China to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) for their valuable partnership, funding, and unwavering support in making this institutional capacity-building program possible.

H.E. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, met this afternoon with the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Bruce Begnell, who was accompanied by Mr. Mike Elkin, Deputy Chief of the Political and Economic Se

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:17:12 +0000

H.E. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, met this afternoon with the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Bruce Begnell, who was accompanied by Mr. Mike Elkin, Deputy Chief of the Political and Economic Se

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:17

During the meeting, both sides held productive discussions on the ongoing bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and the United States. They exchanged views on current cooperation initiatives and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership and friendship between the two countries.Dili, 17 July 2026

The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) convened on 19 July 2026 in Manila

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 03:39:17 +0000

The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) convened on 19 July 2026 in Manila

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 12:39

The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) convened on 19 July 2026 in Manila. The Meeting discussed preparations for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings, and other topics under ASEAN Community-building and ASEAN’s external relations. The Meeting was attended by ASEAN SOM Leaders or their representatives, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community.

Photo credit: NOC Philippines

The Director-General for Consular and Protocol Affairs (DGACP), Ms. Josefina Carla Pompeia Tilman, accompanied by the National Director for Protocol and Ceremonial, Ms. Prisca Santos Pires

MNEC — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 03:22:20 +0000

The Director-General for Consular and Protocol Affairs (DGACP), Ms. Josefina Carla Pompeia Tilman, accompanied by the National Director for Protocol and Ceremonial, Ms. Prisca Santos Pires

MNEC Tue, 07/21/2026 - 12:22

The Director-General for Consular and Protocol Affairs (DGACP), Ms. Josefina Carla Pompeia Tilman, accompanied by the National Director for Protocol and Ceremonial, Ms. Prisca Santos Pires, today received and attended the handover ceremony of the Copies of the Letters of Credence by the Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

The ceremony marks an important step in the diplomatic accreditation process before the Ambassador-designate formally presents the Letters of Credence to His Excellency the President of the Republic, thereby officially commencing his diplomatic mission in Timor-Leste.

The Director General for consular and Protocol Affairs reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship and bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Malaysia.
Dili, 20 July 2026

His Excellency Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting

MNEC — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:53:06 +0000

His Excellency Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting

MNEC Thu, 09/26/2024 - 14:53

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 — His Excellency Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting — a historic occasion as it is the first time the G20 met inside the United Nations Headquarters, alongside the full UN state members.

In his statement, H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas congratulated Brazil for its remarkable leadership in its presidency of the G20 and commended Brazil for its dedication to promoting inclusive growth and dialogue among Member States and beyond.

Timor-Leste stands committed to contributing to a collective solution that prioritizes sustainable development, equity, and international cooperation and remains steadfast on promoting growth that benefits all segments of the population.

Timor-Leste urged the G20 members to consider the particular needs of small developing nations in the context of global financial systems and calls for increased access to markets, technology transfer, and financial aid to support development initiatives.

The Minister also underscored the need to prioritize climate action and support initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainable practices. Timor-Leste is ready to share its experiences and collaborate on innovative solutions for a greener planet.

Luang Prabang, Laos PDR, January 28, 2024 - The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs and Timor-Leste SOM Leader, Milena Rangel, attended the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM).

MNEC — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:11:15 +0000

Luang Prabang, Laos PDR, January 28, 2024 - The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs and Timor-Leste SOM Leader, Milena Rangel, attended the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM).

MNEC Wed, 01/31/2024 - 12:11

Luang Prabang, Laos PDR, January 28, 2024 - The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs and Timor-Leste SOM Leader, Milena Rangel, attended the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM). The meeting was chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lao PDR SOM Leader, Thongphanh Savanphet, at the Namkhong Room, Conference Centre, Pullman Hotel. During the meeting, Timor-Leste was invited to deliver the general statement as an observer. In the statement, the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs and Timor-Leste SOM Leader, Milena Rangel, congratulated Lao PDR for assuming its ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 and appreciated the priorities shared under the theme, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” and also congratulated Indonesia for a sucessfull ASEAN chairmanship last year and appreciated the ASEAN member states and ASEAN development partners continued support for Timor-Leste's membership in ASEAN.

Interview with José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of East Timor Published on January 24, 2024

MNEC — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:03:04 +0000

Interview with José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of East Timor Published on January 24, 2024

MNEC Wed, 01/31/2024 - 12:03

Interview with José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of East Timor Le Président de la République s’est entretenu avec José Ramos-Horta, Président de la République démocratique du Timor oriental, ce mercredi 24 janvier au Palais de l’Elysée. The Head of State hailed President Ramos-Horta’s invaluable contribution to democracy and peace in East Timor, a commitment awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996. The two presidents exchanged on crucial projects for East Timor’s economic development, particularly in the sectors of port economy, climate resilience, water management and sustainable agriculture. Our two countries also share the same commitment to the rule of law and equality between women and men. President Ramos-Horta has expressed his support for the Paris Pact for Peoples and Planet (4P), which aims to ensure that no country has to choose between fighting poverty and investing in protecting the planet. The two presidents also share the same will to fight malnutrition. The two leaders finally addressed the regional situation in SE Asia.

https://www.elysee.fr/.../entretien-avec-jose-ramos-horta...