Dili, April 9 (AseanAll)  — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, met with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on April 9, 2026, to provide a detailed update on the recent decisions of the Council of Ministers.

Key highlights included the unanimous approval of traditional architectural designs for Oé-Cusse and the formalization of strategic plans for the 2029 ASEAN Summit. The Prime Minister noted that the government has already begun designing convention centers and is coordinating with regional partners, including Malaysia, to ensure the success of this major international event.

Turning to domestic stability, the Prime Minister detailed the government’s proactive approach to food security and administrative governance. With the 2027 presidential and municipal elections approaching, the executive is focusing on the careful restructuring of administrative posts and villages. Furthermore, the government is closely monitoring national rice supplies to prevent any potential shortages and is reforming the “Merenda Eskolar” (school feeding program) to ensure that 75% of ingredients are sourced from local communities, fostering both student health and the local economy.

The meeting also addressed environmental sustainability and the impact of global conflicts on the domestic economy. The Prime Minister outlined plans for a public aquarium and a significant reforestation project in Oé-Cusse centered on sandalwood (Aikameli) cultivation. 

Despite global fluctuations in mineral and fuel prices driven by international tensions, Prime Minister Gusmão assured the President that Timor-Leste remains stable, with the government committed to mitigating external economic pressures while advancing the nation’s development goals.