President Ramos-Horta explores Civil Protection Partnerships in meeting with ANPAS Italy Director

DÍLI, 09 November 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, held a strategic breakfast meeting at the Tangla Hotel on Monday morning with high-level Italian representatives from ANPAS and OLIDATA.

Joined by key Timorese diplomats, including Ambassador Lurdes Bessa and Ambassador Nelson Santos, the Head of State engaged in vital discussions with a delegation featuring Gabriele Marino Noberasco, Director of ANPAS – Italy, alongside OLIDATA’s leadership, to explore cooperation aimed at advancing Timor-Leste’s national capacity building.

During the dialogue, Director Marino Noberasco presented a comprehensive proposal on behalf of ANPAS, Italy’s premier volunteer and humanitarian organization founded in 1904 to strengthen Timor-Leste’s community-level civil protection, civil defense, and emergency medical services.

Recognizing the logistical challenges and limited infrastructure in Timor-Leste’s rural areas, the initiative aims to train local citizens as “First Responders.” This grassroots training is designed to equip communities with the critical skills needed to immediately address natural disasters and medical emergencies, saving lives without having to wait for government intervention.

The meeting concluded with a strong mutual commitment to future collaboration, with the ANPAS Director expressing readiness to work alongside the Government of Timor-Leste to implement these vital training programs.

TATOLI