DILI, 27 June 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, today received the outgoing Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Zacarias Albano da Costa, at the Presidential Palace. The meeting was a courtesy audience for him to bid farewell, marking the end of his successful four-year term at the helm of the organization.
During the meeting, Zacarias da Costa expressed his profound gratitude for the trust Timor-Leste placed in him throughout his term and presented a positive assessment of his performance.
He highlighted, among other achievements, the approval and ratification of the CPLP Mobility Agreement by all member states in record time—a milestone considered historic for the community.
The meeting focused on Timor-Leste’s unique and strategic role as the only CPLP member state located in Southeast Asia.
President Horta and the Executive Secretary addressed the opportunities arising from Timor-Leste’s impending accession to ASEAN, agreeing that the country is well-positioned to serve as a bridge between the CPLP and ASEAN. This position could foster deeper economic, cultural, and political ties between the two blocs, unlocking vast possibilities for multilateral cooperation.
The Head of State praised Zacarias Albano’s leadership and reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s firm commitment to its active participation within the CPLP.
The conversation also included reflections on the next steps in implementing the Mobility Agreement, with the President emphasizing the importance of ensuring smooth, safe, and dignified movement for all CPLP citizens.
Horta concluded the audience by congratulating the outgoing Executive Secretary for the work accomplished and expressed the expectation that Timor-Leste will continue to contribute constructively in the preparations for the next CPLP Summit, to be held in Bissau.
TATOLI
