DILI, 30 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, held a meeting with the new Ambassador of Portugal to Timor-Leste, Duarte Bué Alves, at the Government Palace on Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The meeting marked the first official engagement between Minister Pereira and Ambassador Bué Alves since the diplomat presented his credentials to President José Ramos-Horta in September. The Ambassador was accompanied by Rui Guilherme Araújo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Portuguese Embassy.
Ambassador Bué Alves reaffirmed Portugal’s strong commitment to supporting Timor-Leste, underscoring education and human resource development as key pillars of bilateral cooperation.
He highlighted that the Strategic Cooperation Programme (PEC) 2024–2028, valued at €75 million (approximately US$87 million), serves as the main framework for partnership between the two countries.
“Portugal remains committed to ongoing support for Timor-Leste, especially in education and training,” Ambassador Bué Alves said.
He noted that 81% of the first year’s PEC budget has already been allocated to education and training programs. The Ambassador stressed the importance of a partnership built on collaboration, stating that Portugal should continue to work “with Timor-Leste” and not just “in Timor-Leste.”
Minister Agio Pereira reaffirmed that human resources training and capacity building are top priorities for the 9th Constitutional Government, emphasizing that strengthening national competencies is essential for the country’s sustainable development.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for Portugal’s long-standing support and reiterated his full commitment to deepening cooperation between the two nations.
TATOLI
