DILI, 16 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste, under its pro tempore presidency of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) for 2026–2027, chaired the 51st Meeting of CPLP Cooperation Focal Points on March 12–13 at the organization’s headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.
The opening session was led by Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister and CPLP Council of Ministers Chair, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and included participation from CPLP Executive Secretary Maria de Fátima Jardim, as well as representatives from member states and cooperation focal points.
In his remarks, Minister Freitas emphasized the central role of cooperation in the CPLP, describing it as “one of the most dynamic pillars” of the organization, with “real impact on the lives of (…) populations” across member states. He also stressed the importance of multilateralism, dialogue, and strengthened collaboration among CPLP countries, reiterating Timor-Leste’s commitment to fostering community cooperation.
“Cooperation is one of the most dynamic pillars of the CPLP, with real impact on the lives of the populations of our member states,” Freitas said, highlighting the organization’s role in promoting solidarity and sustainable development.
Key CPLP initiatives referenced during the meeting included the Network of Public Higher Education Institutions (RIPES) established in 2012, the Network of Public Health Institutes under the Strategic Health Cooperation Plan operating since 2009, the CPLP Civil Engineering Laboratory Capacity Program initiated in 2019, and the CPLP Audiovisual Program, now in its third edition.
The cooperation focal points reviewed the outcomes of programs and activities implemented over the last three decades. The conclusions will contribute to the drafting of the new Strategic Vision of the CPLP for 2027–2033.
Minister Freitas noted that this reflection comes as the CPLP celebrates its 30th anniversary and highlighted Timor-Leste’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2025. He said this milestone opens opportunities to strengthen CPLP links with the Southeast Asian region.
The meeting was presided over by Timor-Leste’s National Director for CPLP, Joaquim Fernandes, and brought together representatives responsible for coordinating cooperation initiatives across member states.
Timor-Leste assumed the CPLP pro tempore presidency for 2026–2027 following a decision adopted at an extraordinary conference of CPLP Heads of State and Government in December 2025. The Timorese presidency carries the theme “Consolidation of the Democratic Rule of Law and the Challenges of the CPLP.”
The meeting underscored Timor-Leste’s focus on advancing multilateral cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the CPLP’s engagement in both Lusophone and broader regional frameworks.
TATOLI
