DILI, 15 August 2025 (TATOLI) – Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, participated in the Ministerial Interface Meeting on Financial Mechanisms for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), held virtually on 14 August 2025.
The high-level meeting brought together ASEAN Ministers on Energy, Economic Ministers, Finance Ministers, and Central Bank Governors to advance regional coordination on energy integration and financing strategies.
Minister Monteiro delivered Timor-Leste’s official intervention, expressing the country’s strong support for the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative (APGF) as a critical step toward strengthening regional energy security, resilience, and economic integration. His Excellency highlighted Timor-Leste’s national vision for energy development, which places strong emphasis on infrastructure readiness, diversification of energy sources, and alignment with regional market opportunities.
Minister Monteiro also highlighted that the country is pursuing several large-scale energy projects, with natural gas and LNG as key transitional fuels to enhance supply stability and affordability, while positioning Timor-Leste as a future contributor to regional energy security.
Also present at the session were Gualdino da Silva, President of the Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo (ANP), and Marito Ferreira, President of the Board of Directors of Electricidade de Timor-Leste, E.P. (EDTL), representing the electricity sector under the Secretary of State for Electricity, Water and Sanitation.
Minister Monteiro reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s readiness to engage in cross-border energy projects and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with ASEAN Member States, development banks, and partners to prepare bankable and impactful energy infrastructure investments.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing Timor-Leste’s aspiration to contribute to a resilient and interconnected ASEAN energy future.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
