DILI, 05 June 2026 (TATOLI) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director, Stefania Dina, paid a farewell visit to Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on Thursday as she prepares to complete her three-year posting in Timor-Leste.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Government Palace in Dili, Dina said her assignment had officially come to an end and that she took the opportunity to express her personal gratitude to the prime minister for his leadership and his trust in the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Dina, who began her assignment in July 2023, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would continue to provide strong support for Timor-Leste’s social and economic development priorities despite her departure from the country.
She also confirmed that she will take up a new position at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines, as Director for Agriculture and Rural Development for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, a role she said would allow her to remain engaged with Timor-Leste.
Dina added that, alongside her farewell message, the meeting with Prime Minister Xanana also covered a range of key development priorities, particularly areas aligned with her future responsibilities.
Among the issues discussed was the blue economy, which Prime Minister Xanana has long promoted as a central pillar of national development. Dina said both sides explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in this sector.
Water resource management and water security were also discussed, including plans for a comprehensive water assessment to be carried out in close coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Public Works.
Agriculture featured prominently in the talks, particularly efforts to generate employment and encourage greater youth participation in the sector. Dina highlighted Timor-Leste’s coffee industry, widely recognized for its quality, as an area with strong potential for expansion and job creation.
The discussions also touched on the role of the National Development Bank in supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and expanding access to finance for private sector development.
According to Dina, Prime Minister Xanana expressed appreciation for her contributions during her tenure in Timor-Leste and thanked the ADB for its ongoing partnership in supporting the country’s development goals.
TATOLI
