HONIARA, 08 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco Monteiro, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing cooperation in mineral and energy resource management with the Solomon Islands facilitated by the g7+.
The commitment was expressed during a high-level meeting on Tuesday in Honiara, where Minister Monteiro, accompanied by a 23-member delegation, held bilateral talks with Solomon Islands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Shanel Agovaka, and Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Rawcliff Manuari.
“We are here representing the Government of Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, joining the g7+ Secretariat in a program that brings together member states to share experiences and insights on natural resource governance,” Monteiro told TATOLI at the Heritage Hotel in Honiara.
Monteiro said discussions with Minister Agovaka focused on identifying strategic areas for cooperation and setting the foundation for an impactful partnership.
“We exchanged views on our respective national priorities, particularly in the area of resource management, and discussed what steps could be taken to foster a relevant and impactful partnership in the future,” he said.
In a separate meeting, the Timorese delegation also engaged in bilateral talks with Minister Manuari, focusing on experience-sharing in the oil and gas sector.
“We had a constructive dialogue on how our countries can learn from one another in managing oil and energy resources,” Monteiro added.
He highlighted that the strength of the g7+ lies in the solidarity among its resource-rich members, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and mutually beneficial management of mineral wealth.
The visit marks the beginning of a broader cooperation process, with a technical workshop scheduled for tomorrow. The workshop aims to define practical steps toward deepening sectoral collaboration.
Monteiro also expressed hope that both ministries will initiate staff exchange programs and working visits to further strengthen institutional ties and enhance sectoral capacity.
g7+ Secretary-General Helder da Costa said the mission to Honiara is also intended to reaffirm the Solomon Islands’ leadership role within the g7+ as it prepares to assume the chairmanship in January 2026.
“We are meeting with key stakeholders in the Solomon Islands to affirm their leadership in the g7+ and to strengthen cooperation among member states,” said da Costa. “This visit also allows the Timorese delegation—including representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the Geological Institute of Timor-Leste (IGTL), and Murak Rai Timor (MRT)—to share their experiences in managing natural resources.”
He noted the Solomon Islands’ warm hospitality, particularly during the country’s 47th Independence Day celebrations, and welcomed the support received from the Ministry of Mines.
“In our meeting with the Minister of Mines, we received strong support for this initiative. The Solomon Islands expressed readiness to engage in deeper collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Tomorrow’s workshop in Honiara will provide an opportunity for Timor-Leste to present its perspectives and challenges in mineral resource governance under the g7+ framework,” da Costa added.
The bilateral engagement reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promote sustainable mineral development, foster economic growth, and strengthen South-South cooperation through the g7+.
The Timorese delegation includes representatives from the National Minerals Authority (ANM), Murak Rai Timor, the Geoscience Institute of Timor-Leste (IGTL), the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and the g7+ Secretariat, led by Secretary-General da Costa.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Filomeno Martins
