Dili, March 5 (AseanAll) — Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Mrs. Maria Natália Guterres Viegas Carrascalão Conceição Antunes as the new Head of the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).
The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, on March 5, 2026.
The appointment of Ambassador Natália Carrascalão was formalized under the Decree of the President of the Republic No.22/2026. Ambassador Natália Carrascalão succeeds the former Head of the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to CPLP, Ambassador Laura Soares Abrantes.
Natália Carrascalão brings more than two decades of distinguished diplomatic and political experience to her new role. She transitions from her position as Personal Advisor to the President of the Republic, a role she has held with distinction since September 2024. Her extensive diplomatic career includes serving as Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Singapore (2020-2024), Laos (2016-2020), Portugal, Spain, and Cape Verde (2009-2013), during which she also acted as Ambassador to the CPLP. Prior to her diplomatic postings, she was Chief of Staff for the Presidency of the Republic (2007-2009), and held several political positions with the PSD party, as well as roles in public office. Ambassador Natalia Carrascalão was a Member of the Portuguese Parliament (1999-2005) and she attended law school at the University of Macau. Ambassador Natalia Carrascalão’s contributions have been honoured with the Insignia of the Order of Timor-Leste and the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit (Portugal).
Ramos-Horta stated, “Ambassador Natália Carrascalão is one of our nation’s most accomplished and respected diplomats. Her profound understanding of the CPLP, cultivated over many years of service including as Ambassador to its member states, is precisely what Timor-Leste needs to further deepen our ties within this essential community.” President added: “Her unique personal history, bridging Timor-Leste and Portugal, embodies the very spirit of the CPLP. I have no doubt that her leadership will ensure our voice is heard clearly and that we continue to draw strength from our partnerships with Lusophone nations, whose solidarity was vital during our struggle for independence.”
The President underscored the vital backing Timor-Leste received from CPLP countries during its struggle for independence. While Timor-Leste is considered a founding member (1996), diplomatic ties were formalized upon its restoration of independence in 2002. Since then, the nation has signed numerous agreements with the CPLP across sectors such as justice, education, mobility, social security, defense, and parliamentary affairs. The CPLP’s global diplomatic network has also been instrumental in supporting the election of candidates from member states to key international positions.
Timor-Leste has benefited from and contributed to the community. It has participated in CPLP training projects in health, agriculture, education, and civil society. Demonstrating its commitment to the principle of fraternity, Timor-Leste has provided financial support to CPLP programs in Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Mozambique during crises, contributed to electoral observation missions, and played an active role in formalizing the economic dimension of the organization. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for both the nation and the organization. Following an Extraordinary Conference decision on December 16, 2025, Timor-Leste has officially assumed the Presidency Pro Tempore of the CPLP for the 2026–2027 biennium. The country will lead the community under the theme, “Consolidation of the Rule of Law and Democracy—Challenges for the CPLP.”
Ramos-Horta concluded by reaffirming Timor-Leste’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its global diplomatic ties and wished Ambassador Natália Carrascalão success in her new tenure, serving the people and the interests of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
