DILI, 09 July 2025 (TATOLI) – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) have signed the Record of Discussions (R/D) for a new technical cooperation project aimed at enhancing Timor-Leste’s maritime safety and security.
The objectives of the project include the establishment and enhancement of the institutional capacities of the MPU for maritime safety and security.
Under the agreement, JICA will provide Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), along with key equipment such as outboard engines, boat trailers, and pick-up trucks.
Furthermore, JICA will dispatch technical experts to conduct training for the operation and maintained of the RHIBs.
The signing ceremony took place at PNTL Headquarters in Dili, where Commissioner General Henrique da Costa, Commander General of PNTL, and Daisuke Fukumori, JICA Chief Representative, signed the agreement. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tetsuya Kimura, Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, and Superintendent Eugénio Pereira, Commander of the PNTL Maritime Police Unit (MPU).
During the ceremony, Fukumori expressed his sincere appreciation for the leadership of Commissioner General Henrique da Costa, particularly in fostering close cooperation with JICA and other partners, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Fukumori underlined that the most important factor for this project is the genuine engagement and continuous learning of the MPU officers for the proper operation and effective management of RHIBs.
He said that enhancing maritime safety and security would contribute significantly to better address the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and to further promote the government’s Blue Economy initiative.
Enhancing maritime safety and security is expected to significantly contribute to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and advancing the Government’s Blue Economy initiative.
This new JICA technical cooperation project aligns with the priorities of the PNTL and the broader development goals of the Government of Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
