Dili, March 5 (AseanAll) —Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the IX Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste, Mrs. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, MPA.
The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, on March 5, 2026.
The appointment was made by Presidential Decree No. 20/2026 of March 4th, pursuant to Article 86(h) of the Constitution of Timor-Leste, upon the proposal of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
Mrs. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, MPA, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as Chief of Staff of the Presidency of the Republic, a position to which she was appointed by President J. Ramos-Horta on July 11, 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, United States of America. Her distinguished career in public service includes serving as the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça – PDHJ) from November 7, 2018, to January 5, 2023. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance at the PDHJ from January 14, 2015, to November 6, 2018. From 2009 to 2014, she served as a Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, focusing on training and development, and also worked as a trainer at the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP). Her extensive public sector background also includes a brief tenure as Inspector General of the Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Planning (July-September 2009). Earlier in her career, she worked with various international organizations such as the Peace Corps, USAID, and AUSAID, and was a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL). She began her professional journey in public administration in 1994, serving in various capacities including Chief Secretary in the Administration of the Sub-District of Atabae, Bobonaro Municipality (1995-1997). In recognition of her significant contributions to public administration, good governance, human rights, and institutional development, Mrs. Jesuína Gomes was awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste on November 28, 2023.
Ramos-Horta stated, “Mrs. Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes is a public servant of immense integrity and proven competence. Her deep experience in governance, human rights, and international cooperation will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Timor-Leste’s partnerships abroad and advance our national interests on the global stage. I am confident she will serve the nation with distinction in her new role.” President added: “Having worked closely with her as my Chief of Staff, I have witnessed firsthand her dedication and work ethic. She possesses the perfect blend of technical expertise and a profound commitment to our people, making her exceptionally qualified for this important portfolio.”
The President wishes Mrs. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, great success in her new functions, serving the people and the interests of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
The creation of the position of Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation results from the second amendment to the organic law of the 9th Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste, approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on March 4th, through Decree-Law No. 11/2026.
The Decree-Law establishes the inclusion of the Vice Minister in the Government's composition, responsible for substituting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation when absent or hindered, and aiding him in managing his political, administrative, and financial duties related to implementing the country's foreign policy, ensuring its unity and coherence.
