DILI, 12 january 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas, left for Portugal on sunday for an official visit related to the country’s temporary role as the presidency of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), following Guinea-Bissau’s suspension from the position after the coup on november 26, 2025.
During his visit, Minister Freitas will hold meetings related to Timor-Leste’s temporary role as the presidency of CPLP for the 2026–2027 term.
The minister will meet CPLP Executive Secretary Maria de Fátima Jardim in Lisbon to coordinate activities and responsibilities associated with Timor-Leste’s temporary presidency.
Minister Freitas is also scheduled to engage with the CPLP Permanent Coordination Committee to discuss ongoing initiatives and cooperation among member states.
In addition, he will hold talks with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel to strengthen bilateral relations, including political cooperation and Timor-Leste’s one-year leadership role in the CPLP.
Minister Freitas is also set to meet Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dom Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo SDB in Lisbon, and engage with Timorese students, and communities in Coimbra, Portugal.
It’s recalled that the First Extraordinary Conference of CPLP Heads of State and Government, held via videoconference, decided to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all CPLP activities until constitutional order is restored and appointed Timor-Leste to temporarily hold the pro tempore presidency. The conference was convened to assess the political and institutional situation in Guinea-Bissau following the November 2025 coup.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
