DILI, 09 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Justice Minister Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai conducted an official visit to Japan from March 1 to 5 to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Japan in the areas of justice, institutional development, human resource training and investment.
The visit included engagements in Tokyo and Fukuyama and aimed to expand collaboration between the two countries’ legal institutions and promote economic cooperation.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 5 in Tokyo between the justice ministries of Timor-Leste and Japan. The agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in justice system development, capacity building for legal professionals and the exchange of experience and best practices between institutions in both countries.
Hornai attended the signing ceremony alongside Timor-Leste’s ambassador to Japan, Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas, and an official delegation from the Ministry of Justice. The memorandum builds on existing collaboration between the two countries in the justice sector, including technical training and institutional strengthening.
During his stay in Tokyo, Hornai also held a courtesy meeting with Special Adviser Terada to discuss opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in institutional development, human resource training and modernization of the justice sector.
On the same day, the delegation met with officials from the Supreme Court of Japan to learn about the structure and operations of the country’s highest judicial body, including mechanisms that ensure judicial independence, procedural efficiency and adherence to the rule of law.
The minister also visited Itochu Corporation in Tokyo to promote investment opportunities in Timor-Leste. Discussions focused on the company’s business activities and potential cooperation in human resource development, industrial development and job creation for young Timorese.
Earlier, on March 4 in Fukuyama, Hornai met with executives of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., which plans to invest in the construction of a shipbuilding industrial facility in Laleia, located in the municipality of Manatuto.
During the meeting, the government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the procedures required to implement the project, including land use arrangements and the development of supporting infrastructure.
Hornai and his delegation also toured the company’s facilities and met Timorese workers undergoing technical training and working in areas such as ship design, welding and painting. These workers are expected to return to Timor-Leste to take part in the planned industrial project in Laleia.
Also on March 4, the minister participated in a joint study meeting organized by the Parliamentary League for Rule of Law Diplomacy and the Japan–Timor-Leste Parliamentary Friendship League. Participants highlighted the achievements of legal cooperation between the two countries since 2009, including a joint legislative study program that has helped strengthen national expertise and support the drafting of legal frameworks in Timor-Leste.
On March 3, Hornai met with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency to discuss Japan’s support for the development of Timor-Leste’s justice sector. Talks focused on institutional strengthening, professional training, technical assistance and challenges linked to the country’s regional integration.
The minister also held a courtesy meeting with the president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to exchange views on the organization of the legal profession and explore future cooperation between legal communities in both countries.
Earlier, on March 2, the delegation attended a networking dinner with the International Center for Civil and Commercial Law aimed at strengthening dialogue and legal cooperation. On the same day, Hornai visited the Research and Training Institute of Japan to observe training programs designed for judicial officials and justice sector professionals.
The visit helped consolidate cooperation between Timor-Leste and Japan in the justice sector while expanding institutional and economic contacts to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
TATOLI
