Geneva, Switzerland, July 7, 2026 – On the sidelines of the Sixty-Eighth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste, H.E. Nino Pereira, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, to discuss priority areas of cooperation in innovation, science, and intellectual property.

The meeting opened with an exchange of greetings, during which both delegations reaffirmed the historical, cultural, and linguistic ties that unite Timor-Leste and Angola within the framework of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and South-South cooperation. The ministers expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to deepen dialogue on innovation policies and sustainable economic development.

Minister Nino Pereira emphasized that Timor-Leste attaches growing importance to strengthening its national intellectual property system, recognizing it as a key instrument to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification. He also highlighted the crucial role of WIPO and CPLP in building institutional capacity in developing countries.

The delegations discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including fostering contacts between universities, research centers, and innovation institutions in both countries. They identified possibilities for training young entrepreneurs and future intellectual property examiners, as well as potential academic and scientific exchange programs. Both sides agreed to explore joint capacity-building initiatives with the support of WIPO and CPLP.

Another central theme was the support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, recognizing the importance of mechanisms that encourage innovation and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems. The delegations exchanged experiences on policies to support SMEs and innovation-driven ventures.

The ministers also addressed the significance of protecting traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions, and genetic resources, acknowledging their value for local communities. Both expressed interest in exploring cooperation to promote the protection and valorization of these assets, ensuring equitable benefits for populations.

At the multilateral level, Timor-Leste and Angola reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate positions and support initiatives of common interest within WIPO and other international forums, through CPLP. They stressed the importance of ensuring that the global intellectual property system responds to the needs of developing countries and Least Developed Countries.

The meeting concluded with words of appreciation for the exchange of views and a commitment to follow up on the issues discussed through appropriate diplomatic channels. Minister Nino Pereira reiterated Timor-Leste’s determination to deepen bilateral cooperation with Angola, for the sustainable development of both nations.

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