DILI, 25 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said Timor-Leste’s resilience has been shaped not only by the determination of its people, but also by the friendship, solidarity and support of international partners who have stood alongside the country from the struggle for independence through state-building.
Speaking at the opening session of the 2025 Timor-Leste and Development Partners’ Meeting (TLDPM), Gusmão said the country’s progress reflects both national perseverance and enduring international cooperation.
Gusmão noted that the meeting comes at a symbolic moment for the country, shortly after Timor-Leste marked the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence.
“This historic date proves that a nation, even a small one, can achieve great victories when it fights with
During his address, the prime minister stressed the need to strengthen coordination between the government and international development partners, saying partnerships can only deliver their full impact when aligned with national priorities and backed by effective implementation and accountability mechanisms.
“These partnerships will only reach their full potential if they are built on clear alignment between national priorities, financing, implementation strategies, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms,” he said.
Addressing the country’s blue economy agenda, Gusmão said the IX Constitutional Government has adopted a clear strategic vision to harness Timor-Leste’s maritime resources as a driver of sustainable development.
“The IX Constitutional Government embraces an unequivocal strategic vision: to transform our sea — which is central to our identity, economy and geopolitics — into a source of sustainable development, social inclusion and environmental resilience,” he said.
He added that for Timor-Leste, the blue economy is more than an economic policy.
“For Timor-Leste, the blue economy is not only a strategy for survival, but a strategy for development and climate resilience,” Gusmão said.
The two-day TLDPM is structured around a plenary session on the first morning, followed by interministerial sector discussions focused on Timor-Leste’s key development priorities.
Presentations on the opening day include the government’s Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Blue Economy, monitoring progress under the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030, Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration process, and public administration reform.
Afternoon discussions focus on institutional and economic development, including strategic public policies, government coordination and national economic priorities. On the second day, talks continue with sessions dedicated to infrastructure and social capital development.
TATOLI
