Dili, October 26, 2026 — The Secretary of State for General Secondary and Technical-Vocational Secondary Education (ESJ-ESTV), Domingos Lopes Lemos, Lic. Ed., MM., participated in the 5th Interministerial Coordination Meeting and the 3rd ACNOC Meeting, both chaired by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. The meetings took place in the Noble Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), at Praia dos Coqueiros, on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The meeting aimed to assess the progress of Timor-Leste’s integration as an ASEAN member and to review preparations for the country’s ASEAN chairmanship, scheduled for 2029. Discussions also focused on the strategic decisions and measures required to strengthen institutional capacity, develop infrastructure, and enhance the nation’s economic and financial capabilities, ensuring adequate preparation for assuming this regional responsibility.
The participation of the Secretary of State for ESJ-ESTV in this meeting underscores the importance of coordination among ministries and public institutions in supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration process. In the education sector, this preparation entails developing human resources, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering educational cooperation with ASEAN member states.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, a ceremony was held to commemorate the first anniversary of Timor-Leste’s historic accession to ASEAN, marking a significant milestone in the country’s regional integration process.
