DILI, 29 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira met with Pēteris Ustubs, Director for International Partnerships for Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission, who was accompanied by European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste Thorsten Bargfred, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in key strategic sectors, including state modernization, public administration digitalization, cybersecurity, regional integration and maritime infrastructure.
The meeting took place during Ustubs’ visit to Timor-Leste for the signing on Friday of two new financing agreements between Timor-Leste and the European Union under the CRESCE and e-JUS TL programs.
Under the CRESCE program, the European Union will provide 3 million euros to support the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with a focus on sustainable initiatives, circular economy and access to credit.
The e-JUS TL project, financed with 6 million euros, aims to modernize and digitize Timor-Leste’s judicial system to improve service efficiency, expand access to justice and strengthen interoperability among institutions in the justice sector.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the current framework of bilateral cooperation under the European Union’s 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme, which supports Timor-Leste in areas including governance, sustainable economic development, regional integration and digital transition.
The discussions also covered cooperation linked to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession process and its participation in regional initiatives under the Indo-Pacific framework. Both sides exchanged views on emerging areas of partnership, including digital transformation of public administration, interoperability of state information systems, strengthening national cybersecurity capacity and the development of strategic maritime infrastructure.
On public administration digitalization, Agio Pereira presented ongoing government initiatives aimed at modernizing public services, simplifying administrative procedures and enhancing institutional transparency through integrated digital platforms.
Among the projects under development is the full digitalization of the legislative process and the Jornal da República, intended to improve public access to legislation while reinforcing document security and authenticity.
Cybersecurity and digital security cooperation was also a central topic of discussion, including institutional capacity-building, cyber incident response mechanisms, protection of critical digital infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of public institutions.
The minister highlighted the growing challenges posed by cybercrime and digital threats across Southeast Asia.
The meeting further addressed the government’s cybersecurity legislative package currently under preparation, which is intended to establish a modern legal framework for the protection of networks and information systems, digital governance and data protection.
Minister Pereira emphasized the importance of preparing public institutions, municipalities and citizens to respond to challenges arising from increased digital connectivity and evolving cyber threats.
In the area of maritime infrastructure and South Coast development, the minister outlined the government’s broader vision for the project, describing it not only as an energy undertaking but as an integrated national development strategy.
He highlighted plans to strengthen port infrastructure, maritime logistics, regional connectivity and the blue economy, alongside components linked to industrial zones, energy supply, urban development, road connectivity and technical and vocational training as part of Timor-Leste’s economic diversification and sustainable development agenda.
Pereira also underscored the strategic importance of the submarine cable connection between Timor-Leste and Australia, noting that stronger digital connectivity must be accompanied by measures to safeguard digital sovereignty, data security and the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The meeting reflected the mutual commitment of Timor-Leste and the European Union to deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, trust and sustainability, and on a shared vision of prosperity and stability anchored in Timor-Leste’s national priorities under the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030, the program of the IX Constitutional Government, and the country’s commitments linked to its ASEAN integration process.
TATOLI
