DILI, 15 May 2026 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on Thursday congratulated President José Ramos-Horta on his successful diplomatic mission to Papua New Guinea, highlighting the visit as an important step in strengthening Timor-Leste’s relations with neighboring Pacific nations, including Fiji, Vanuatu and other countries in the region.
President José Ramos-Horta received the commendation during his weekly meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on Thursday at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, shortly after returning from Papua New Guinea, where he attended the Melanesian Oceans Summit.
The two leaders also addressed preparations for a reciprocal high-level visit to the Pacific, scheduled for November, with the aim of consolidating Timor-Leste’s strategic integration into the Pacific regional community.
On the domestic front, the Prime Minister briefed the President on the budget rectification proposal, clarifying that the planned adjustments will be carried out through internal reallocation, without the need for additional withdrawals from the Petroleum Fund.
In the context of the global energy crisis, the leaders prioritized national energy security and reiterated the Government’s commitment to achieving 100% rural electrification by December of this year.
Regarding infrastructure, the Prime Minister updated the President on the progress of various road and bridge construction projects, acknowledging that heavy rains have created logistical challenges, but reaffirming the Government’s commitment to completing works considered strategic for national development.
Public security and justice sector reform were also at the center of the discussions. The Prime Minister detailed the Government’s recent decision to prohibit training activities for martial arts groups, following violent incidents recorded in Hera and Mehara.
During the meeting, President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão reaffirmed their joint commitment to defending the Rule of Law and emphasized the urgent need to accelerate judicial reforms to more effectively combat transnational crimes.
The weekly consultation meetings between the two leaders continue to play a fundamental role in promoting institutional harmony and achieving Timor-Leste’s national development priorities.
TATOLI
