DILI, 10 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The government is strengthening coordination in the information sector as Timor-Leste prepares for its 2029 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira met on Friday with national focal points for the information sector under ASEAN’s socio-cultural pillar, in a discussion focused on improving institutional coordination and preparedness ahead of the country’s leadership role.
The meeting also included Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Dias Ximenes, Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL) President Rosário Martins, and Tatoli news agency President Noémio Falcão.
Officials discussed the responsibilities of designated focal points appointed under Dispatch No. 01/M-PCM/III/2026, dated March 12, which outlines coordination, institutional alignment and monitoring duties within ASEAN-related work.
Minister Pereira stressed the importance of early and structured preparation to ensure Timor-Leste can effectively manage the responsibilities of hosting ASEAN in 2029, particularly in the areas of institutional communication and inter-agency coordination.
“The preparation process requires effective coordination between institutions to ensure an organized response to the challenges the country will face during the presidency period,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen public communication management and improve engagement with international media, noting that experience from other ASEAN member states shows the importance of well-organized media strategies during major regional events.
Pereira said Timor-Leste should establish adequate structures to host accredited journalists and media organizations, ensuring efficient information management and promoting the country’s international visibility during its chairmanship.
Secretary of State Expedito Ximenes pointed to ASEAN members’ experience in hosting summits, citing Malaysia as a reference point in media organization and communications management.
He said journalist participation in such events requires strong coordination and professional content production capacity, and called for expanded training for national journalists.
Ximenes also emphasized the importance of exchanging experience with the Philippines, the current ASEAN chair, as part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity in the sector. He added that rapid technological change demands higher-quality content production and continuous professional development for media workers.
RTTL President Rosário Martins said the broadcaster is working to enhance Timor-Leste’s international visibility, including the creation of an English-language channel and a dedicated ASEAN-focused team to expand coverage of the country’s integration into the regional bloc.
TATOLI
