DILI, 10 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), Maria de Fátima Jardim, on Thursday received the credentials of Timor-Leste’s newly appointed Permanent Representative, Ambassador Natália Carrascalão, at the organization’s headquarters in Lisbon.
The ceremony marks a renewed commitment by Timor-Leste to strengthen the role and cohesion of the CPLP, as the newest Southeast Asian nation continues its tenure as the bloc’s rotating president, assumed during an extraordinary summit of heads of state and government in December 2025.
President José Ramos-Horta appointed Carrascalão to the post by presidential decree published in the official gazette in March 2026.
She succeeds Ambassador Laura Soares Abrantes, who had served as Timor-Leste’s permanent representative to the CPLP since presenting her credentials in April 2024.
Under CPLP statutes, member states may establish permanent missions to the organization in line with international diplomatic practice.
Carrascalão previously served as an adviser at the Presidency of the Republic and as Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Singapore.
Ambassador Natália Carrascalão brings more than two decades of distinguished diplomatic and political experience to her new role. She transitions from her position as Personal Advisor to the President of the Republic, a role she has held with distinction since September 2024.
Her extensive diplomatic career includes serving as Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Singapore (2020-2024), Laos (2016-2020), Portugal, Spain, and Cape Verde (2009-2013), during which she also acted as Ambassador to the CPLP.
Prior to her diplomatic postings, she was the Chief of Staff for the Presidency of the Republic (2007-2009), and held several political positions with the PSD party, as well as roles in public office.
Ambassador Carrascalão was a Member of the Portuguese Parliament (1999-2005) and she attended law school at the University of Macau. Ambassador Natalia Carrascalão’s contributions have been honoured with the Insignia of the Order of Timor-Leste and the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit (Portugal).
TATOLI
