Timor-Leste presidency advances CPLP cooperation, solidarity and cohesion
DILI, 18 August 2026 (TATOLI) – Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Maria de Fátima Jardim has praised Timor-Leste’s Pro Tempore Presidency for its dynamic and effective leadership, saying it has strengthened cooperation and cohesion among member states.
Jardim made the remarks on the sidelines of the 294th Ordinary Meeting of the CPLP Permanent Concertation Committee (CCP), held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili.
“We congratulate the Government and the President of the Republic for what has been achieved so far under this presidency, which, although called Pro Tempore, we are experiencing as a dynamic and effective presidency with results that we all want,” she said.
Jardim said Timor-Leste’s presidency had helped strengthen friendship, cooperation and solidarity among CPLP member states while reinforcing the organisation’s capacity to respond to national priorities and global challenges.
“This meeting marks a significant step, especially because we are closing a new cycle,” she said, referring to preparations for the organisation’s next strategic planning cycle, which will run through 2033.
She said the CPLP would continue to promote itself as a community “united in diversity”, focused on progress and the well-being of its peoples.
The organisation currently has nine member states and 35 associate states, she said, describing the expansion as evidence of the community’s growing cohesion around common objectives and programmes.
“We are seeing our community grow, which means that our community is consolidating itself around objectives and programmes that connect everyone to the main goals we have for the progress and well-being of our peoples,” Jardim said.
Among the achievements under Timor-Leste’s presidency, she highlighted efforts to improve the representation of member states within the CPLP Executive Secretariat through the opening of recruitment competitions.
“Timor-Leste’s presidency resolved a very important challenge: ensuring that we are more represented,” she said.
Jardim also cited stronger political cohesion among member states, saying CPLP countries should continue to uphold democratic values and the rule of law while promoting peace, stability and human rights.
She highlighted initiatives in education, culture, defence, tourism, nutrition and mobility.
In education, Jardim pointed to a proposal for school meals for all children, presented at a meeting of CPLP education ministers. She said better nutrition was essential to children’s development and the well-being of families.
On defence, she stressed that national sovereignty extends beyond territorial borders to include culture, traditions and food. Tourism, meanwhile, offered opportunities to create jobs, increase mobility and support economic growth, she said.
Jardim also noted that Timor-Leste’s presidency had held more meetings than previous presidencies, including consultations with focal points from member states to strengthen coordination of common strategies.
“We also held a meeting of the focal points and saw that they are aligned on common strategies. So now we can develop a new vision,” she said.
According to Jardim, the new vision should strengthen connections among Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas through shared CPLP initiatives and objectives.
She congratulated the Timorese people on their presidency and thanked them for the hospitality extended during CPLP meetings in Dili.
“We wish the people of Timor-Leste every prosperity and hope that, under its leadership, they will continue to strengthen their role, especially in this region, while also advancing the CPLP as a historic community,” she said.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
