PROFILE MINISTER

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation is responsible for the policy’s design, implementation, coordination and evaluation, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers for foreign policy and international cooperation, consular functions and the promotion and defence of the interests of Timorese citizens abroad.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation is responsible to plan, propose and implement Timor-Leste's foreign policy and ensure its unity and coherence; Prepare draft legislation and regulations in their respective areas of responsibility; Promote Timor-Leste's interests abroad and ensure the protection of Timorese citizens abroad; Ensure the representation of Timor-Leste in other States and International Organisations and manage the network of embassies, missions, permanent and temporary representations and consular posts, following foreign policy priorities; Plan and execute the preparation for Timor-Leste's accession to the Organisation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ensure the country's representation at its meetings and activities; Coordinate Timor-Leste's participation in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and ensure the country's representation in its meetings and activities; Centralise and coordinate the relations of any public entities with diplomatic or consular missions, international organisations and the representations of cooperation services accredited in East Timor; Propose and implement the international Cooperation policy in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant government institutions; Coordinate, with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant Government departments, Timor-Leste's relations with development partners; Perform such duties as may be assigned to it concerning matters of economic diplomacy; Exercise the functions of National Authorising Officer; Establish Cooperation mechanisms with foreign missions established in the country; Establish mechanisms for collaboration and coordination with other Government bodies with responsibility for related areas of activity; Organise, promote or participate in any activities necessary for establishing and operating a platform for cooperation and integrated sub-regional economic development between Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Australia.

The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs shall assist the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The following institutions and bodies are subject to the supervision and tutelage of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: The Timor-Leste Cooperation Agency (ACTL); The Institute for Diplomatic Studies (IED). e-mail: bendito.freitas@timor-leste.gov.tl, phone: 7795 31 06