G—NEWS (DILI) — In a recent press conference, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Benedito Freitas, outlined the main objectives of the upcoming G7+ Ministerial Meeting scheduled for April 11-12, 2025, in Dili. Freitas emphasized the significance of this meeting as a platform to assess the progress and achievements of G7+ over the past 15 years, while also strengthening cooperation between member states through formalized policies and strategies.
“The purpose of this meeting is to evaluate the extent to which G7+ has fulfilled its mandate, including its impact on member states and its contributions to international advocacy. We will also agree on a long-term strategy and joint advocacy programs, especially in addressing the challenges faced by fragile countries,” said Freitas.
As part of the opening ceremony, delegates from G7+ member countries will arrive in Dili on the afternoon of April 10, 2025. The opening ceremony will take place on April 11 at the Dili Convention Center and will be attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone, as well as the Chair of G7+. The event will also feature an address from the President of Timor-Leste, H.E. Jose Ramos Horta, who will deliver the keynote speech, along with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who will share the G7+ vision.
Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, will also be present to represent the international organization at the ministerial meeting.
The meeting, which will take place at the Palm Spring Hotel from the afternoon of April 11 to April 12, will feature various presentations and intensive discussions among member states, culminating in the production of a key document that will outline the future direction of G7+ cooperation. A crucial agenda item will be the election of the new President of G7+, followed by the release of a document that will guide member states’ joint efforts moving forward.
Key Points from the Expected Document:
- Member states of G7+ will express deep solidarity with the international community suffering from war, aggression, and natural disasters.
- Reaffirmation of support for peacebuilding processes, mediation, and reconciliation efforts to prevent conflicts and strengthen national cohesion.
- The establishment of the G7+ Eminent Persons Council to intensify agreements aimed at promoting mediation and reconciliation within member states.
- A continued effort to secure long-term humanitarian support for countries affected by conflict and natural disasters, ensuring these countries can recover and stabilize.
In addition, strengthening G7+ structures will be a key focus of the meeting. Member states will commit to ratifying the G7+ Charter to ensure the legal foundation of the group, as well as continuing to enhance political coordination and global advocacy, particularly through participation in the UN General Assembly.
G7+ Secretary-General, Helder da Costa, emphasized the significance of holding the sixth ministerial conference in Dili, after 15 years of progress. He noted that although Timor-Leste is a small country, it plays a crucial role in speaking to the world through democratic mechanisms, addressing global issues, and advocating for countries in fragile and post-conflict situations.
“The existence of G7+ is proof that Timor-Leste not only represents the voices of smaller nations but also serves as a platform that fosters global solidarity for countries in need of support in peacebuilding and post-conflict stabilization,” added da Costa.
G7+ serves as an intergovernmental platform representing the voices of countries with fragile and post-conflict situations, focusing on peacebuilding and stability efforts. Through this meeting, G7+ aims to continue strengthening its international commitment, including gaining recognition within the UN, ensuring that their efforts are more widely acknowledged on the global stage.
With careful preparation and strong commitment from its member states, this ministerial meeting is expected to produce concrete steps to support stability and sustainable development in fragile and post-conflict nations around the world.
loading="lazy" />