Dili Hosts Technical Meeting and 15th EU–PALOP-TL Ministerial Meeting
DILI, 04 June 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), hosted the 15th Ministerial Meeting between the European Union (EU) and the Portuguese Speaking African Countries and Timor-Leste (PALOP-TL), in Dili.
The Meeting in Dili is being held in two parts: a Technical Meeting (SOM) from 4–5 June 2025, followed by the 15th Ministerial Meeting on 6 June.
The High-Level Meeting brought together representatives and experts to deepen institutional, cultural, and economic cooperation among the participating countries. It aimed to consolidate strategic partnerships and foster a shared vision on common challenges and opportunities.
The initiative serves as a key platform for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on joint strategies for sustainable development and closer ties between the EU and the PALOP-TL.
MoFAC’s Director-General for Multilateral Affairs, Leoneto Mantilo, reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to international cooperation.
“This occasion highlights the uniqueness of the PALOP-TL group, our shared history and language, and our strong partnership with the European Union,” he said.
Mantilo expressed hope that the discussions will lead to concrete recommendations and strengthen the PALOP-TL group as a united voice internationally.
Ambassador Mário Ngwenya, representing the PALOP-TL–EU, emphasized the importance of rethinking future cooperation models with the EU. “We will focus on the three pillars of the PALOP-TL program and reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead,” he said.
Ambassador Ngwenya said that shifts in cooperation mechanisms, noting the transition from the European Development Fund (EDF) to the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). “This change brings significant challenges for the future of PALOP-TL,” he said.
The Representative of the EU Delegation in Timor-Leste, Christoph Sorg, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the partnership.
“Your presence here is a strong testament to the lasting value of this partnership, rooted in shared history, language, and a common vision for inclusive development,” he said.
Sorg also stressed the need to build trust and address challenges together as key to achieving sustainable cooperation and long-term resilience.
As part of the program, delegates will visit the National Parliament, the Court of Appeal, and the Archives of Resistance Museum.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
