DILI, 16 April 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Portugal on Wednesday reaffirmed their cultural and linguistic cooperation, with a focus on the Portuguese language, heritage preservation and upcoming joint initiatives.
The discussion took place in Lecidere, Dili, during a meeting between Portugal’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste Duarte Alves, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Nelyo Isaac, and the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture Jorge Cristóvão.
Nelyo Isaac said the meeting reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the cultural sector, and explored ways to strengthen it further.
“The meeting allowed us to discuss ways to ensure that the existing cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal remains strong, especially in the area of culture,” he said, adding that both sides also looked at deepening joint initiatives.
He said preparations were also discussed for the upcoming Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), scheduled to take place in Dili on May 4–5.
The minister also said the meeting addressed plans for World Portuguese Language Day and CPLP Culture Day, with events expected in Manatuto municipality and at the Portuguese Embassy in Dili. The celebrations aim to promote the language as a vehicle for identity, cultural diversity and cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries.
Ambassador Duarte Alves said the initiative reflects ongoing collaboration built over recent years and will continue to be strengthened, particularly in the areas of culture, Portuguese language promotion and journalist training.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Journalists’ Language Clinic, describing it as “a very relevant tool to consolidate the presence and mastery of the Portuguese language among media professionals.”
The meeting also touched on the preservation of built heritage and historical sites, which both sides said reflect the shared history between the two countries.
The ambassador also invited Nelyo Isaac to visit the Portuguese Embassy and the Portuguese Cultural Centre, which are open to the public, as part of efforts to further strengthen institutional and cultural cooperation.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
