Dili, May 14 (AseanAll) — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, received Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili,on May 14, 2026 for the customary weekly institutional consultation meeting.
At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Head of State on his successful diplomatic mission to Papua New Guinea, highlighting the strengthening of Timor-Leste’s relations with neighboring Pacific countries, including Fiji, Vanuatu, and other States in the region.
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.
