DILI, 30 january 2026 (TATOLI) – Portugal has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Timor-Leste through a €75 million (Approximately US$87 million) Strategic Cooperation Program for 2024–2028, reinforcing bilateral ties in education, justice, poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Portuguese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Duarte Alves said the partnership remains a cornerstone of both countries’ foreign policy and continues to expand across key sectors essential to national development.
In an interview with TATOLI, Alves said education, the Portuguese language and culture remain central to cooperation.
“Timor-Leste is the only Asian country with Portuguese as an official language, within the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). Promoting the language is therefore an absolute priority,” he said.
In the justice sector, cooperation has been strengthened through shared legal traditions, enabling closer collaboration in the training of judges, law students and judicial institutions. Support includes specialized training, provision of legal materials and partnerships between universities.
Portugal has also maintained sustained investment in social inclusion. Between 2002 and 2025, it allocated approximately €27 million (US$32.3 million) to programs targeting vulnerable groups, including children, orphans, persons with disabilities and the elderly—an average of more than €1 million per year.
Media development is another area of engagement. The Consultório da Língua para Jornalistas (CLJ) has reviewed more than 25,000 articles and trained dozens of Timorese journalists in Portuguese language and technical terminology in areas such as justice, health, economics and education.
Under the 2024–2028 cooperation framework, both countries are also prioritizing environmental sustainability and the blue economy. Alves noted that, as maritime nations, Portugal and Timor-Leste are aligned in promoting ocean protection and have ratified the High Seas Treaty.
Support for democratic governance remains a key pillar of the partnership. Portugal contributes to strengthening the rule of law through training programs for security forces, magistrates and public administration officials, alongside continued support for the media and justice sectors.
On mobility within the CPLP, Alves emphasized the need for regulated mechanisms that safeguard migrants’ dignity and ensure access to employment, education and social protection.
He also described Timor-Leste’s expected accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a strategic opportunity to attract Portuguese, European and Asian investment.
“Timor-Leste can position itself as a bridge between the CPLP and ASEAN,” he said.
Looking ahead, the ambassador stressed that bilateral cooperation must evolve to address emerging global challenges, including digital transformation and climate change, while maintaining strong investment in education and human resource development.
Alves reaffirmed Portugal’s continued support for Timor-Leste and encouraged the public to engage with the Portuguese Embassy’s initiatives and visit the Portuguese Cultural Centre and its public library in Dili.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
