DILI, 27 March 2025 (TATOLI) – The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Government Palace in Dili, under the theme Together we strengthen trust.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, said that the PNTL is a fundamental institution for the country’s security and stability.
“Happy anniversary to everyone. This is a unique opportunity to recognize and thank you for your professionalism and your dedication to the people. Today, we are not only celebrating the anniversary of the institution; we are also celebrating a historic moment of institutional transformation,” the head of government said in Dili.
Gusmão recalled that the PNTL was born before the official restoration of independence in May 2002 and has since then faced obstacles, crises, and challenges. According to the Prime Minister, the PNTL, like other public institutions, was formed from ashes and ‘today has become an important pillar of democracy at the service of the people.’
The chief executive also said that the country’s process of consolidation, responsibility, security, and stability is marked by difficulties and sacrifices and therefore considered that the commemoration also serves to remember ‘all the legacies and the maturity of the services provided by the PNTL to the population.’
Gusmão said the PNTL plays a vital role in maintaining public order in order to guarantee the country’s security and stability. “Happy birthday to everyone; this is a unique opportunity to recognize and thank you for your professionalism and your dedication to the people. Today, we are not only celebrating the anniversary of the institution; we are also celebrating a historic moment of institutional transformation,” the head of government said in Dili.
Gusmão recalled that the PNTL was born before the official restoration of independence in May 2002 and has since then faced obstacles, crises, and challenges. According to the Prime Minister, the PNTL, like other public institutions, was formed from ashes and ‘today has become an important pillar of democracy at the service of the people.’
The chief executive also said that the country’s process of consolidation, responsibility, security, and stability is marked by difficulties and sacrifices and therefore considered that the commemoration also serves to remember ‘all the legacies and the maturity of the services provided by the PNTL to the population.’
For Xanana Gusmão, the PNTL plays a vital role in maintaining public order to ensure that all citizens can live in an environment of security and tranquility. The head of government believes that the personnel of this security institution are better prepared to face challenges.
Xanana Gusmão emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with Portugal, New Zealand, and Australia, since those countries have contributed to strengthening the PNTL and training human resources.
For his part, the Commander General of the PNTL, Commissioner General Henrique da Costa, said that, over 25 years, the institution has adapted to the evolution of society and consolidated its position within the population.
He pledged to dedicate himself to the public cause with commitment, motivation, loyalty, energy, and a spirit of mission.
The commissioner took the opportunity to present the five priority areas that guide the PNTL’s commitment to the country, namely improving institutional management, strengthening legislation, institutional cooperation with friendly countries, improving the capacity to respond to citizens, and strengthening peace and internal security.
Present at the event were, among others, the Commander General of the Portuguese National Republican Guard, Lieutenant General Rui Veloso; the Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, David McLean; the Head of the International Relations Division of the Indonesian Police, Inspector General Krishna Murti; and members of the government, the National Parliament, and the FALINTIL-National Defence Forces of East Timor.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário/Translator : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus/Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
