Portugal and the Transition Period in Timor-Leste

this two-part study, the first part analyses the diplomatic mission undertaken in East Timor, with particular emphasis on the commendable work carried out by the UN. It should be remembered that the fate of a new country was entirely entrusted to it! But also the commitment, professionalism, selflessness and high sense of statehood demonstrated by Portuguese diplomacy and, it must be said, at all levels of the hierarchy.

The second – the humanitarian mission – developed at various levels and covered different sectors of Timorese society. Support and collaboration with the various NGOs operating in the territory were constant. Medical and agricultural aid; the rehabilitation of the education system; state structuring and support for the cultural sector as a means of preserving identity are some of the many areas where Portuguese cooperation was focused and which are objectively highlighted in this study.

Work of this nature was only made possible thanks to the generosity and collaboration of various individuals and institutions made available to the team.
The researcher was Gustavo Silva Val-Flores, under the guidance of Artur Teodoro de Matos.

The study was published in the book ‘Portugal e o Período de Transição em Timor-Leste’, edited by CEPCEP in its ‘Estudos e Documentos’ collection.