(AseanAll)  — The Timorese Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Dato' Seri Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, held a courtesy meeting with Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, and the Minister’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Ana Sofia Duarte, at the Vice Prime Minister’s office in the Farol neighbourhood of Dili on Thursday, July 30th,2026. 

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic development, investment, tourism, and other priority sectors that could benefit both countries.

During the meeting, the Vice Prime Minister reaffirmed that Portugal remains an important partner for Timor-Leste and underscored the Government’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation, establishing new investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of the recently signed cooperation agreement between the two countries in the tourism sector.

Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, expressed appreciation for the strong relations between Timor-Leste and Portugal and reaffirmed Portugal’s readiness to continue working with Timor-Leste to promote economic development, tourism, and cooperation in priority sectors.

The Portuguese minister also emphasised the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth, stating that the sector can generate significant revenue, enhance the value of local resources, preserve culture and traditions, and support the development of high-quality tourism.

A key outcome of this meeting was the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism Training for the 2026–2028 Period between Vice Prime Minister Dato' Seri Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in tourism training between Timor-Leste and Portugal.