DILI, 25 May 2026 (TATOLI) — The Government of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with key ministries, opened the 2026 Timor-Leste and Development Partners’ Meeting (TLDPM) on Monday, bringing together government leaders and international partners to review progress, address challenges and strengthen coordination in support of national priorities.
The two-day meeting, held on 25–26 May at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium at the Ministry of Finance in Aitarak Laran, Dili, serves as the government’s main annual platform for dialogue with development partners.
The TLDPM is a high-level conference where the government meets with development partners to reflect on achievements, assess ongoing challenges and discuss future priorities in line with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan.
This year’s gathering marks the fourth high-level dialogue between the IX Constitutional Government and its development partners since the government took office in July 2023.
Held under the theme “Charting a Resilient Horizon: Blue Economy, ASEAN Integration and Coordinated Action,” the meeting focuses on advancing cooperation in key national development areas, including economic resilience, regional integration and coordinated policy implementation.
Opening the meeting, Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues Ferreira Viegas Cardoso thanked development partners for their continued support, saying their contribution has gone beyond financial assistance.
“Over the years, development partners have contributed not only resources, but also ideas, technical expertise, and patient support to our reform efforts, and for this I wish to express our sincere appreciation,” Cardoso said.
She said the IX Constitutional Government remains committed to building “a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Timor-Leste” in line with the country’s Strategic Development Plan and long-term national aspirations.
“Achieving this vision will require us to mobilize our domestic efforts and to work in close alignment with all of you,” she said.
Cardoso described the meeting as an opportunity for both the government and development partners to deepen cooperation and ensure greater alignment in delivering national priorities.
“We therefore see this meeting as an opportunity to once again listen to one another, to strengthen mutual understanding, and to ensure that our collective efforts are better coordinated in support of national priorities,” she said.
She said participants would hear more over the two-day meeting from Prime Minister and government ministers on the administration’s policy direction, priorities and areas where partnerships can deliver the greatest impact.
“They will elaborate on our Government’s agenda and the key areas where we believe our partnership can have the greatest impact,” she said.
Cardoso reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to open dialogue, transparent management of public resources and constructive engagement with international partners.
“Timor-Leste remains committed to open dialogue, to transparent management of public resources, and to working constructively with all partners for the benefit of the Timorese people,” she said.
Closing her remarks, Cardoso thanked participants for attending and expressed hope that discussions during the meeting would strengthen trust and cooperation between Timor-Leste and its development partners.
“I hope that our discussions over these two days will be frank, focused, and solution-oriented, and that they will further deepen the trust that underpins our cooperation,” she said.
The annual meeting is expected to provide a platform for dialogue on government priorities, strengthen collaboration with development partners and reinforce coordinated action to support Timor-Leste’s long-term development goals.
TATOLI
