DILI, 29 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Justice Minister, Sérgio Hornai, met his Portuguese counterpart, Rita Alarcão Júdice, on June 24 at the Ministry of Justice of Portugal, in Lisbon, to review ongoing cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration.
During the meeting, the ministers agreed to expand cooperation in the training of legal professionals, strengthen the capacity of Timor-Leste’s judicial authorities, and support the continued development of the country’s justice system.
The meeting also reaffirmed Portugal’s support for Timor-Leste’s Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ), including the launch of a training-of-trainers programme for Timorese legal professionals, scheduled to begin in 2027.
The two sides discussed closer cooperation between their judicial training institutions, the modernization of civil registration and notary services, and the exchange of best practices aimed at improving public access to justice.
During the meeting, Hornai invited Júdice to attend the 19th Conference of Justice Ministers of the Portuguese-speaking Countries, which is scheduled to be held in Dili in October 2026.
The conference forms part of Timor-Leste’s responsibilities as the current holder of the rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in the justice sector.
Júdice also presented Hornai with copies of the second volume of Legislation of Timor-Leste, a legal reference publication compiled by Portugal’s Directorate-General for Justice Policy. The publication brings together key legal instruments to improve access to legislation and support the development of Timor-Leste’s legal system.
While in Lisbon, Hornai also met Edgar Taborda Lopes, Director of Portugal’s Judicial Studies Centre (CEJ), to discuss expanding cooperation in the training of judges, prosecutors, public defenders and other justice sector professionals.
The discussions focused on continued cooperation in the eighth training programme for judges, prosecutors and public defenders, as well as potential support from the Legal and Judicial Studies Centre (CEJ) for the pedagogical training of future Timorese instructors at the Legal and Judicial Training Centre.
Hornai was accompanied by Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Portugal, Manuel Serrano; Director-General for Justice Policy Nelinho Vital; Timor-Leste’s Justice Attaché to the United Kingdom, Flaviano Leão Moniz; and legal adviser Mariana Machado Gomes.
TATOLI
