Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 12, 2026
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 12th, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and was briefed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, on the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), to be held in Dili on August 19th, 2026, under the pro tempore presidency of Timor-Leste.
The meeting will be an important opportunity to strengthen political and diplomatic coordination and cooperation among Member States, in line with the theme of the Timorese Presidency: “Consolidation of the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges Facing the CPLP.” Among the main items on the agenda are the situation in Guinea-Bissau, preparations for the upcoming CPLP Presidency, and the definition of the Organisation’s strategic guidelines for the coming years.
The meeting is also expected to review the Administrative Agreement for the Implementation of the CPLP Multilateral Social Security Convention, which aims to strengthen social protection and the portability of citizens’ social security rights within the Community. A declaration on “Consolidating the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges Facing the CPLP” will also be considered, reaffirming the Member States’ commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the strengthening of political and diplomatic coordination.
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Based on a proposal by Vice-Minister of Finance Regina de Jesus, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise Minister of Finance Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso to negotiate with the World Bank for a loan, through the International Development Association (IDA), to finance the Baucau Municipal Capital Water Supply Project.
The project, which is part of the second phase of the World Bank’s regional Water Security and Resilience initiative, aims to increase access to safely managed water supply services in selected areas of Baucau. It calls for the construction and operation of a centralised, climate-resilient system capable of serving approximately 37,000 people by 2031.
With projected funding of US$30 million, the project includes the rehabilitation and expansion of existing water sources and pumping systems, the construction of new water intake facilities, pumping stations, pipelines, treatment and storage facilities, as well as the installation of approximately 7,000 household connections with sub-metering. It also includes measures to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of Bee Timor-Leste (BTL) through technical assistance, capacity building, and support for infrastructure management and maintenance. The financing will be provided on highly concessional terms, with a 10-year grace period and a 40-year maturity. It will also include an option to defer payments in the event of a national emergency related to climate-related events. Implementation will be carried out by the Ministry of Public Works through the Project Management Unit, with BTL responsible for the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure upon its completion.
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The Council of Ministers, upon a proposal by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, approved the draft Government Resolution for the appointment by the Government of a member and their alternate to the National Election Commission.
The appointment stems from the expiration of the terms of office of the current members of the National Election Commission, scheduled for August 16th, 2026, and is made pursuant to Law No. 5/2006, of December 28th, as currently in force, which grants the Government the authority to appoint one of the seven members of the Commission, as well as at least one alternate member. For the new term, running from 2026 to 2031, the Government has appointed Mr Élviro Fernandes Moniz as a full member and Ms Odete Maria Belo as an alternate member.
Mr Élviro Fernandes Moniz is recognised for his integrity and experience in the field of electoral administration and currently holds a leadership position at the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration. Ms Odete Maria Belo is also recognised for her integrity and experience in the electoral field, having served as a member of the National Election Commission for several years. Neither of them holds leadership positions in political parties or on electoral campaigns.
With these appointments, the Government ensures the continuity and smooth operation of the National Election Commission for the new term, thereby helping to strengthen the independence, credibility, and effectiveness of the oversight of electoral processes in Timor-Leste, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and legal framework.
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The Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, presented information to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the National Programs to Combat Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste, including the main results achieved, the challenges identified, and the priorities for action to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for people affected by these diseases.
The presentation also provided an opportunity to review ongoing measures to strengthen the national response, particularly through improved access to health services, timely diagnosis and treatment, epidemiological surveillance, and community awareness-raising. The Government reaffirmed the importance of continuing and strengthening these national programs, with a view to reducing the incidence and impact of these diseases and improving the health and well-being of the population.
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Lastly, upon a proposal by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution mandating the return to the State of the land granted to the company Pelican Paradise Group Limited, under the respective Special Investment Agreement (SIA), approved by Government Resolution No. 133/2021 of December 15. Given that the aforementioned SIA has ceased to be in effect and that the company has been notified of its termination, the land granted as part of the investment must be returned to the State.
The resolution directs the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs to promote and coordinate the necessary actions to ensure the return of the land to the State, which must be handed over free of people and property. The resolution further stipulates that all relevant public entities, within the scope of their respective authorities, adopt the administrative measures necessary to comply with the decision.END
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