TOKYO, 15 April 2026 – President J. Ramos-Horta participated in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Online Summit led by the Prime Minister of Japan. In his address, the President outlined the extraordinary measures taken by Timor-Leste to address the global energy crisis while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to energy transition through strategic partnerships with the Japanese private sector.
Swift Response to the Energy Crisis
President Ramos-Horta emphasized that for Timor-Leste, the energy crisis is an immediate threat to fiscal stability and food security. Given that the national electricity system currently depends almost entirely on imported diesel, the government has implemented significant emergency measures:
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Strategic Reserves: Procurement of 80 million liters of additional diesel.
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Fiscal Investment: Allocation of $170 million to stabilize prices and protect households from the rising cost of living.
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Risk Mitigation: Implementation of price caps and contingency plans to ensure national energy resilience.
“These steps buy us time, but they are emergency measures, not the lasting answer,” President Ramos-Horta stated firmly.
AZEC 2.0 Vision: Moving Toward Energy Independence
The President welcomed Japan’s initiative through the AZEC 2.0 framework, which addresses structural energy vulnerabilities. For Timor-Leste, reducing dependence on imported diesel is not only a climate priority but a strategic economic necessity.
During the summit, the President also highlighted positive developments regarding renewable energy projects that serve as milestones for international collaboration:
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Large-Scale Solar Development: A major solar power plant project supported by a joint investment between Japan’s Itochu Corporation and Électricité de France (EDF).
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Rural Electrification: Appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support in bringing solar power to rural communities across Timor-Leste.
Commitment to Regional Partnership
In his closing remarks, President Ramos-Horta expressed Timor-Leste’s readiness to work closely with Japan, ASEAN partners, and all AZEC participants. Focusing on access to fuel financing in the short term and long-term investment in renewable energy infrastructure will be key to securing agricultural output and future food security.
“Arigatō gozaimashita,” the President concluded, as a gesture of respect for the enduring partnership with the Government and people of Japan.
To read the Official Remarks by President Ramos-Horta at the AZEC Online Summit 2026, please click the link below:
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