The Technical Administrator of the ANC Board, Mr Novelino dos Santos, took part in the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials' Meeting (ADGSOM) on 13–15 January 2025, and went with the Minister of Transport and Communications to the ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting on 16–17 January 2025. The theme was "Secure, Innovative, Inclusive: Shaping ASEAN's Digital Future", stressing security, innovation and inclusion as the main pillars of ASEAN's digital agenda.
This was an important step to strengthen regional cooperation in technology and digitalisation, in line with Timor-Leste's vision to improve its communications and IT capacity.
As part of the main agenda, the delegation also went with the Minister to a strategic dialogue with the United States, represented by Ambassador Steve Lang, Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy at the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, to discuss possible areas of cooperation and digital priorities for 2025, including submarine cables, cybersecurity and capacity building.
During the visit, the delegation also went with the Minister to sign an important agreement with Vietnam. It aims to expand bilateral cooperation in telecommunications, including technology transfer, training and network infrastructure development.
The visit shows Timor-Leste's commitment to keep expanding its international network in telecommunications. Through these partnerships, it hopes to create new opportunities that support technological progress in Timor-Leste.
The delegation with the Minister included: MTC Chief of Staff Mr José da Costa; Director-General of Transport and Communications Mr Constantino Pereira Soares; Head of the Office for Policy, Planning and Cooperation Mr Fernando da Cruz; National Director of Infrastructure and Communications Eng. Ambrósio Amaral; Legal Adviser Dr Eusébio Guterres; Executive Secretary Mr Adeodato Caetano de Jesus; technical professional Mr Feliciano dos Santos; TIC Director of Information Systems and Applications Mr Justo Fernandes; and Mr João Olívio Freitas.
