MINISTER MONTEIRO PARTICIPATES IN SPECIAL ASEAN ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING

Dili, Timor-Leste, 27 April 2026

His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, participated in the Special ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), held virtually to discuss recent developments in the Middle East and their implications for regional and global energy security.

The meeting brought together Energy Ministers and representatives from ASEAN Member States to exchange views on the impact of geopolitical developments on energy markets, including supply disruptions, price volatility, and the need to strengthen regional preparedness and coordination mechanisms.

In his intervention, Minister Monteiro highlighted the importance of strengthening resilience at the national level, particularly for countries such as Timor-Leste that are fully dependent on imported fuel. His Excellency outlined measures taken by the Government to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market, including targeted regulatory interventions to manage supply and protect consumers.

The Minister also noted that Timor-Leste sources the majority of its fuel imports from ASEAN Member States, and encouraged continued cooperation to ensure reliable and accessible supply through commercial arrangements. While Timor-Leste is not currently a producer of oil and gas, he emphasised the country’s future potential and its readiness to engage with regional partners in the development of its resources.

Minister Monteiro further expressed Timor-Leste’s support for ASEAN’s collective efforts to enhance energy preparedness, including ongoing steps towards accession to regional frameworks and mechanisms aimed at strengthening supply security.

Accompanying Minister Monteiro in the meeting room were His Excellency Júlio do Carmo, Vice-Minister for Infrastructure; Mr. Gualdino da Silva, President of the National Petroleum Authority; and Mr. Marito Ferreira, Chairman of EDTL.

Timor-Leste reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ASEAN Member States to promote energy security, stability, and cooperation across the region.