Govt approves MoU with Portugal to strengthen F-FDTL capabilities
DÍLI, 29 July 2026 (TATOLI) — The Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Portuguese Ministry of Defence on the Portuguese capacity-building mission in Timor-Leste.
The agreement, proposed by Defence Minister Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, provides a framework for continuing and broadening Portugal’s capacity-building mission in Timor-Leste, reinforcing the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries.
“This Memorandum of Understanding aims to strengthen and deepen bilateral defence cooperation by consolidating and expanding the temporary advisory missions provided for in the Framework Program for Defence Cooperation, and by promoting training, education, and development initiatives that enhance the operational capabilities of the National Defence and FALINTIL — the Timor-Leste Defence Forces (F-FDTL),” said in a statement.
The Memorandum also establishes a framework for cooperation to develop the F-FDTL’s capabilities in strategic areas, specifically in military higher education, military health, command and control, military situational awareness, and the employment of naval, land, and air components, as well as to strengthen capabilities in materiel, equipment, and infrastructure, in accordance with the priorities defined by both Parties.
The instrument also provides for the implementation of other capacity-building initiatives that may be agreed between the two States, in line with the common objectives of modernisation and institutional development in the defence sector.
TATOLI
