The opposition in Timor-Leste has urged the government to take proactive measures to address the economic challenges arising from the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with particular concern over rising global fuel prices. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage for global oil shipments, faces potential disruption, prompting

The World Bank has recently approved the budget for the construction of the Gleno to Letefoho road in Timor-Leste, marking a significant step forward for infrastructure development in the region. This approval comes after a lengthy process, and the contract for the project is expected to be signed soon. Samuel

The Timor-Leste government recently launched boundary markers to designate a protected area in the Viqueque municipality, specifically in the Burabo’o forest and Irabere watershed within the Uatukarbau administrative post. This initiative aims to safeguard the region’s natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems in accordance with the country’s national

On June 23-24, 2025, Timor-Leste’s National Parliament unanimously ratified the Samoa Partnership Agreement, a new framework between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). This agreement replaces the previous Cotonou Agreement and sets a 20-year legal foundation for cooperation focused on key

On June 24, 2025, the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Balkaun Úniku, or One-Stop Service Centers, across all municipalities, including the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno. This initiative is a key part of the government’s broader

On June 25, 2025, the Government of Timor-Leste approved a comprehensive legal framework to regulate international marine scientific research within its maritime territory. Presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the draft decree-law aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international best

Timorese students in Israel are navigating a controlled and cautious daily life amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Despite frequent missile alerts and occasional bombings, students such as Januário Fernandes describe a situation where normal activities quickly resume once alarms end. According to Fernandes, alarms signal different levels

On June 18, 2025, the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste approved a budget of $16.47 million for the construction of new facilities at the Betano Polytechnic Institute (IPB) in Manufahi Municipality. The proposal, presented by Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment Gastão de Sousa, is part of the Integrated

On June 29, 2025, Timor-Leste will send 13 workers to Japan for skilled employment and training through the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE). Of these, 12 workers will be employed in welding at the Tsuneishi company, while one will work in horticulture in Ibaraki. Before departure,

Timor-Leste is preparing to host the 12th edition of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Sports Games from July 17 to 27, 2025, in Dili. The government has assured that all necessary infrastructure will be ready well in advance, with key venues such as the Dili Municipal Stadium, GMT

In June 2025, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta delivered keynote speeches and took part in important forums in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he emphasized the vital role of unconditional dialogue in achieving global peace and justice. Drawing on Timor-Leste’s own history of colonialism, occupation, and eventual reconciliation, Ramos-Horta stressed that

Timor-Leste is planning a $4 million investment to build First Instance Courts in three municipalities: Bobonaro, Ermera, and Viqueque. This initiative was announced by Afonso Carmona, President of the Court of Appeals, who confirmed that the project has received approval from the Infrastructure Fund Administrative Council. The designs for the

On June 18, 2025, Timor-Leste actively participated in the XVI Meeting of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) held in Lisbon, Portugal. The country was represented by Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who is also Minister Coordinator of Economic Affairs and

Timor-Leste has achieved significant progress in the 2025 Global Peace Index, climbing five places to 44th out of 163 countries and territories, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace report released on June 18, 2025. The country is now classified as having a "High Level of Peace,"

Timor-Leste has taken a significant step forward in its economic development by officially submitting its application to join the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA 2012). This milestone was announced on June 18, 2025, by Ambassador António da Conceição, Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representative to the United

UNICEF has recently donated 11,600 doses of diphtheria-tetanus (DT) vaccines to Timor-Leste’s National Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products (INFPM). This donation aims to strengthen the country’s immunization efforts and protect the population against diphtheria and tetanus. The vaccines, procured by UNICEF with a budget of over

Timor-Leste will host the 4th Asian Portuguese Community Conference (APCC) from June 27 to 29, 2025, at the Dili Convention Center. This event will bring together representatives from Portuguese-descendant communities across Asia, including Malacca (Malaysia), Goa (India), Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tugu and Flores (Indonesia), Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The conference theme,

On June 18, 2025, the government of Timor-Leste, under the leadership of Interior Minister Francisco Guterres, approved a resolution to extend the operating hours of its border posts with Indonesia. This change affects the border posts at Batugade, Salele, Sakato, and Oesilu. The new schedule sets the hours from 9:

In June 2025, Japan and Timor-Leste strengthened their bilateral cooperation through key discussions and development projects. Japanese Ambassador Tetsuya Kimura met with Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos Horta in Dili to review Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) initiatives in the country. These include the ongoing expansion of Nicolau Lobato

In June 2025, twelve prominent investors from Western Australia visited Timor-Leste to assess the country’s promising manganese deposits located in the Lautém and Baucau municipalities. This visit was part of ongoing exploration activities led by Estrella Murak Rai (EMR), a joint venture between Estrella Resources and the state-owned Murak

Australian Government Provides 77000 Funding to Timor Leste Disability Association0:00/132.59751× On June 13, 2025, the Australian Government announced a significant funding commitment of approximately $77,000 USD to the Association of Disabled People of Timor-Leste (ADTL). This support aims to enhance social inclusion and empowerment initiatives for

President José Ramos Horta of Timor-Leste is set to undertake two significant international trips in June 2025, underscoring his ongoing commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and post-conflict development. These visits, spanning from June 17 to June 26, have received formal approval from Timor-Leste’s National Parliament, reflecting their importance on

In June 2025, Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources took a significant step toward shaping the country’s energy future by engaging in high-level discussions with Santos Ltd., a major player in the oil and gas sector. The meeting, held in Dili on June 12, brought together Minister

Timor-Leste Commits to SDG 14, Urges Global Action to Protect Oceans At the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, Timor-Leste reaffirmed its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) — Life Below Water — which focuses on the conservation and

School feeding programs in Timor-Leste play a vital role in supporting children’s health and education, particularly in rural and remote areas. Two key initiatives leading these efforts are the Merenda Eskolár and HATUTAN programs, each with distinct goals and scopes but united in their mission to improve student nutrition