Dili, 15 April 2025 – In a significant step towards bolstering humanitarian efforts in Timor-Leste, the Secretary General of the Timor-Leste Red Cross (CVTL), Mr. Luis Pedro Pinto, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IX Constitutional Government trough GASC. The signing ceremony took place at the Civil Society Support Office, located within the Government Palace in Dili.
The MoU formalizes a strategic partnership between CVTL and the government, aimed at enhancing support to vulnerable communities and improving the effectiveness of humanitarian responses across the country. CVTL expressed its deep appreciation for the trust and support granted by the IX Constitutional Government, highlighting the crucial role such collaboration plays in advancing its mission.
Present at the signing ceremony were key government figures, including the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs, Eng. Mariano Assanami Sabino, and the Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office (GASC), Eng. Joaquim da Costa Freitas. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with civil society actors in promoting community well-being.
In his remarks, Vice-Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino praised CVTL for its unwavering presence and contributions in times of need. He emphasized the organization’s consistent support to communities throughout the country, noting that its affiliation with the international humanitarian movement adds value and credibility to its work.
Eng. Joaquim da Costa Freitas also extended congratulations to CVTL, recognizing the organization as a trusted and strategic partner in implementing livelihood and social support programs. He reaffirmed the government’s intention to work closely with CVTL in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Timor-Leste.
Secretary General Luis Pedro Pinto acknowledged the historical and legal foundation of CVTL’s auxiliary role, established under Decree Law No. 6/2005. He reiterated CVTL’s commitment to using the allocated funding to implement integrated community programs, including youth and volunteer mobilization, basic health promotion, clean water access, emergency preparedness and responses, and national society development.
