FAO and Timor-Leste mark milestone with Host Country Agreement signing and Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2026-2030 launch

Dili - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Timor-Leste today signed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) and officially launched the FAO Timor-Leste Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation to advance food security, nutrition, and agrifood systems transformation in the country.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili, paves the way for the establishment of a full-fledged FAO Representation in Timor-Leste, reinforcing FAO’s long-term presence and partnership with the Government.

The event was attended by H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; H.E. Domingos da Conceição dos Santos, State Secretary of Fisheries; H.E. Fernando Vieira da Costa, State Secretary of Forestry; senior government officials; ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community; heads of United Nations agencies; and development partners.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, underscored that the signing of the Host Country Agreement and the launch of the CPF represent more than a symbolic step.

“This Agreement paves the way for a full-fledged FAO Representation in Timor-Leste and reaffirms our shared commitment to take bold and concrete steps to safeguard food self-sufficiency and food and nutrition security through an integrated agrifood systems approach,” said FAO Assistant Director-General.

He highlighted the need to move beyond fragmented, project-based interventions toward integrated, investment-oriented approaches that deliver large-scale and lasting impacts across production, markets, trade, infrastructure, and nutrition. 

FAO Assistant Director-General also emphasized the importance of addressing climate change impacts on agrifood systems and reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to support climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable approaches, including landscape restoration and ecosystem management. He further called for strengthened South–South and Triangular Cooperation to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skills, and innovations relevant to Timor-Leste’s development context. “FAO stands ready to provide analytical and technical support for investment planning, resource mobilization, and the implementation of flagship programmes that promote employment creation and poverty reduction”, Dohong added further.

“The signing of the Host Country Agreement marks an important milestone in the partnership between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. By establishing a full-fledged FAO Representation in Timor-Leste, the Agreement provides a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and enhanced engagement. It reflects our shared commitment to multilateral cooperation in support of national development priorities, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to deliver inclusive and tangible results for our people.” said H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

H.E. Domingos da Conceição dos Santos, State Secretary of Fisheries, welcomed the signing of the Host Country Agreement and the launch of the CPF as a timely and strategic step.

“The new Country Programming Framework reflect our national priorities and reinforces our partnership with FAO in advancing food self-sufficiency, strengthening agrifood value chains, and building resilience for our rural communities,” State Secretary said. “We look forward to continued collaboration with FAO and our partners to translate these commitments into tangible results for farmers, fishers, and vulnerable populations.” 

The CPF 2026–2030 outlines FAO’s strategic support to Timor-Leste across key priority areas, including sustainable agricultural production, fisheries and aquaculture development, food safety and quality control, climate resilience, and inclusive agrifood investments. The framework is aligned with Timor-Leste’s National Strategic Development Plan, sectoral policies, national commitments on food security and nutrition, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the FAO Regional Strategic Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The signing of the Host Country Agreement and the launch of the CPF 2026–2030 reaffirm FAO’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Timor-Leste and all stakeholders to transform agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.