Dili, NEWS-VIPTV.COM — Timor-Leste’s National Parliament has approved a proposal for President José Ramos-Horta to undertake state visits to South Korea, Belgium, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite criticism from FRETILIN MP Florentino Ximenes da Costa, known as Sinarai, who questioned the benefits of the trips and the use of public funds.
The proposal was approved with 33 votes in favour, three against and seven abstentions, according to the voting figures provided.
During the parliamentary vote, Sinarai raised concerns about the timing of the proposed visits, the country’s financial situation and the challenges facing public services, particularly the health sector.
“The President of the Republic has only one or two months left in his effective term. Why make these trips now? What benefits will the visit to Türkiye bring?” Sinarai asked during the vote.
He also questioned the government’s spending priorities, arguing that domestic challenges should receive greater attention while public money is being allocated to official overseas visits.
“The health sector at home is in crisis, so why is this not being considered? The people’s money is being spent, while the Petroleum Fund is being depleted,” he said.
Sinarai urged lawmakers to carefully assess whether the expenditure would serve the country’s interests, warning that public spending should be justified by clear and tangible benefits for the population.
“I ask all of us to open our hearts and minds and look carefully at whether this spending could harm the country’s finances,” he said.
The proposed visits have raised questions about the diplomatic and economic outcomes Timor-Leste expects to achieve, including whether the trips will strengthen bilateral cooperation, attract investment and generate practical benefits for citizens.
While state visits can provide opportunities to deepen diplomatic relations and advance cooperation, Sinarai’s criticism highlights the importance of transparency, accountability and clear explanations of the expected results, particularly when public expenditure and the sustainability of the Petroleum Fund remain subjects of public concern.
The four proposed destinations are South Korea, Belgium, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The visits are reportedly scheduled for November 3–17, 2026.
Editorial note: The voting figures, proposed dates and direct quotations should be checked against the official parliamentary record before publication.
