DILI, 25 November 2025 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão opened the Fifth CPLP Maritime Forum Seminar, held under the theme “Legal Challenges in the Management and Use of the Sea.”
Gusmão said the sea is essential for sustainable economic growth and social development across Lusophone countries.
The Prime Miniser warned that legal, technological, and environmental challenges demand urgent and coordinated action. Gusmão stressed that “inaction is not an option.”
The Prime Minister noted that Timor-Leste is the only CPLP country located in Southeast Asia.
He noted that Timor-Leste’s historic accession to ASEAN offers new opportunities for political and economic cooperation, adding that it also brings responsibilities to strengthen connections between Southeast Asia and Portuguese-speaking nations.
Gusmão highlighted the progress achieved since the CPLP approved its Ocean Strategy and the 2016 Dili Action Plan.
He said these initiatives reinforced joint maritime governance, marine protection, and sustainable development across Lusophone communities.
The Prime Minister outlined three priorities for CPLP cooperation: maritime sovereignty and boundary resolution, promotion of the Blue Economy, and advancing the CPLP’s long-term ocean strategy.
He cited Timor-Leste’s compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS with Australia as an example of peaceful dispute settlement based on international law.
Gusmão underscored Timor-Leste’s rich marine biodiversity within the Coral Triangle. He presented the preliminary “Policy and Action Plan for Promoting a Resilient and Sustainable Ocean Economy in Timor-Leste, 2025–2035.”
He said the plan provides a roadmap for integrated and inclusive growth in coastal, marine, and maritime sectors.
Gusmão added that the strategy also contributes to the CPLP’s broader goals for conserving marine resources and ecosystems.
The seminar was organized by the National Defence Institute of Timor-Leste (IDN-TL), which holds the Executive Secretariat of the CPLP Maritime Forum for 2024–2025.
The event brings together maritime-law experts, government officials, academics, and maritime-industry professionals from Portuguese-speaking countries.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
