Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Social Communication Service Unit
Monthly Newsletter – May 2025
Highlights from the Media Presidency of the Republic, President J. Ramos-Horta
A Dynamic Month of National Progress and International Engagement
May 2025 has been a period of significant activity for His Excellency President J. Ramos-Horta and the Presidency of the Republic, marked by robust international diplomacy, a strong focus on national development priorities, advancements in social welfare, and vibrant cultural commemorations. The President’s agenda underscored Timor-Leste’s growing role on the regional and global stage, coupled with an unwavering commitment to the nation’s internal progress and the well-being of its citizens.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
I. International Diplomacy & Regional Leadership
- Shangri-La Dialogue & High-Level Meetings (Singapore, May 29-31):
- President Ramos-Horta delivered a crucial keynote address at the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31, highlighting the escalating proliferation dangers in the Asia-Pacific and calling for enhanced cooperation and stricter arms control.
- He also addressed the Young Leaders’ Presidential Roundtable on May 30, emphasizing how strategic partnerships have transformed Timor-Leste into a stable contributor to regional security.
- On the sidelines, the President held a significant bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, on May 30, reaffirming strong bilateral defence ties.
- An exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on May 29 saw the President discuss regional security, trade, the Timor-Leste-China partnership, and Timor-Leste’s role as a bridge-builder in the Asia-Pacific.
- A key announcement made was that Timor-Leste is set to officially join ASEAN in October 2025.
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties:
- The President welcomed Cambodian Senate President and Former Prime Minister Samdech Techo HUN SEN for a three-day official visit (May 7-9). Discussions reaffirmed strong bilateral ties, with President Hun Sen pledging Cambodia’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership. President Ramos-Horta honored Samdech Hun Sen with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste during a Presidential Lecture on May 9, focusing on lessons from Cambodia’s post-conflict reconstruction.
- The inauguration of the new Angolan Embassy in Dili on May 6 was attended by the President, marking a significant step in Lusophone relations and a platform for enhanced diplomatic and economic cooperation.
- Meetings were held with the Australian Ambassador for Climate Change, Kristin Tilley (May 13), to discuss bilateral cooperation on climate action and Timor-Leste’s unequivocal support for Australia’s bid to co-host COP31.
- The President swore in Mr. Karlito Nunes as Timor-Leste’s first Ambassador to India (May 14), a milestone in deepening relations.
- A farewell call was received from the Brunei Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan (May 27), acknowledging progress in bilateral relations.
- The President met with Algerian Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum (May 22), discussing shared commitments to decolonization, especially pertinent as Dili hosted the UN C24 Seminar.
- Discussions with former US Ambassador Grover J. Rees (May 26) centered on Timor-Leste’s development and future prospects.
- Global Advocacy & Statements:
- President Ramos-Horta officially opened the UN Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonization in Dili (May 21), coinciding with Timor-Leste’s 23rd Restoration of Independence anniversary. He shared Timor-Leste’s journey and called for concrete support for Non-Self-Governing Territories.
- The President participated in an Online Global Town Hall webinar on Pope Francis (May 19), sharing insights on the Pope’s global role and the significance of the Human Fraternity document, which Timor-Leste was the first nation to adopt officially.
- Condolences were extended to Australia following devastating floods (May 23) and on the passing of former Vietnamese President Trần Đức Lương (May 23) and Professor António Pinto Barbedo de Magalhães (May 29), a steadfast supporter of Timor-Leste.
- Congratulatory letters were sent to the newly elected Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong (May 4), Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese (May 4), and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (May 7).
- A message was delivered for World Press Freedom Day 2025 (early May), emphasizing its importance for democracy and acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists, including from AI.
- The President accepted the role of g7+ Special Envoy for World Conflict Mediation following a meeting with g7+ Secretary-General Helder da Costa (May 5).
II. National Development, Governance & Economic Progress
- Commemorating Independence & National Progress:
- The President delivered a powerful speech on the 23rd Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence (May 20), paying homage to national heroes and outlining achievements in development, including Timor-Leste’s path to ASEAN and WTO membership.
- The National Fair was officially launched by the President on May 15 to showcase the nation’s advancements and municipal progress ahead of Independence Day.
- Economic & Financial Stewardship:
- Discussions were held with the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Helder Lopes (May 13), on the nation’s currency future, economic outlook, and the sovereign wealth fund (valued at $18.25 billion as of March 31, 2025).
- The President met with Santos representative José Lobato Gonçalves (May 13) to discuss the Bayu-Undan transition and a potential Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) project.
- A meeting with Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to China, Loro Horta (May 27), focused on potential investment from Guanxi Technology in key sectors.
- The President praised Telemor’s 13-year commitment to digital transformation during an interview on May 28.
- Strengthening Institutions & Rule of Law:
- Dr. Nelson de Carvalho was sworn in as the new Attorney General by the President on May 13, with an emphasis on the Public Ministry’s impartiality.
- The President visited the Court of Appeal (May 16), reaffirming support for the judiciary and the need to accelerate the establishment of the Supreme Court.
- Progress by the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC) was praised on its 11th anniversary (May 14).
- A meeting with the Minister of Justice, Sérgio Hornai (May 12), covered land rights and judicial reforms.
- The President discussed national event preparations, including the May 20 commemorations, with the Minister of State Administration, Tomás Cabral (May 14).
- On May 15, the President bestowed the Order of Timor-Leste upon 15 distinguished foreign nationals for their exceptional contributions to establishing the Timor Sea maritime boundary with Australia. This was followed by further bestowals on national and international recipients on May 19 for contributions to justice, development, and national independence.
III. Social Welfare, Education & Community Engagement
- Social Housing & Humanitarian Aid:
- The Presidency, through its Civil Society and Social Support unit, provided new homes to vulnerable families, including Ana Teresa’s family in Viqueque (May 4) and 75-year-old Avó Rosa in Lautém (May 5). A new home was also provided for six orphaned siblings in Manufahi (May 29).
- Humanitarian support was delegated to the Chief of Staff for the community of Uma-Uain Kraik, Viqueque (May 4).
- The Presidency’s Human Fraternity unit continued its vital work, socializing the Human Fraternity Document in schools in Bobonaro (May 12) and Ermera (May 16).
- Focus on Youth & Education:
- The President attended the launch of an electronic test for teacher scholarships (May 19), emphasizing quality and reform in education.
- A delegation from South China Normal University was received (May 6) to discuss academic cooperation.
- The President welcomed a delegation from Southern Adventist University (USA) on a humanitarian mission to provide medical and dental services (May 15).
- At the AEMTL’s 10th anniversary in Baucau (May 1), the President urged the association to continue providing training to young people, especially vulnerable women.
- A video message was recorded for the National Nutrition Week Campaign (May 2), highlighting nutrition as a national priority.
- The Presidency is supporting the Ministry of Education in organizing World Children’s Day 2025 celebrations. A message was also recorded for International Children’s Day (May 28).
- A Presidential Palace development plan was shared with the potentially affected local community on May 15.
- Cultural & Sporting Events:
- The President attended the 166th Baucau Anniversary celebrations (May 1), highlighting the municipality’s tourism potential.
- Participation in a traditional horse race in Oé-Cusse (May 23) celebrated local culture and national unity.
- The President also participated in a rice harvest in Oé-Cusse (May 23), emphasizing food security.
- Support was pledged for cultural festivals during a meeting with the Cultural Entrepreneurship and Management Association (May 28).
- The President commended Timorese boxer Elidio da Conceição and his team for their international victory (May 15).
- The Presidency launched a video contest on Pope Francis’s historic visit, with winners to be announced in September.
IV. Tributes and Commemorations
- The President paid heartfelt tribute and attended the funeral ceremony for the late Reverend Father Domingos Soares Maubere “Amu Du” (May 16 & 19), a beloved priest and a significant figure in Timor-Leste’s journey.
- Tribute was also paid to the late Ernesto Fernandes ‘Dudu’ (May 8), a central figure in the struggle for sovereignty.
May 2025 has truly showcased President Ramos-Horta’s multifaceted leadership, steering Timor-Leste towards a future of greater prosperity, regional integration, and steadfast commitment to democratic values and social justice.
For more information about the Presidency’s activities, please visit our official website: https://presidenciarepublica.tl/ or follow our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPRTL/ , Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presidencia_da_rdtl/ and YouTube: Presidência da República Democrática de TL.
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