The Government of Timor-Leste has approved a donation of 10 million US dollars to help Portugal recover from the massive destruction caused by recent wildfires that have swept through different parts of the country. The decision was reached on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during a council meeting chaired by the Timorese Prime Minister, Mr. Xanana Gusmão.
In a statement released after the Council of Ministers’ meeting, the government explained that the donation is meant to support the Portuguese Republic in rebuilding areas that were damaged by the fires. The council resolution, which was presented by Prime Minister Gusmão, also reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s solidarity with the Portuguese people and government in this difficult period. The statement noted that both countries share historical and cultural ties, and this gesture reflects the brotherhood and long-standing cooperation between the two nations.
Portugal has been struggling with devastating rural and forest fires since July 2025. The flames, which have mostly affected the northern and central parts of the country, have led to the destruction of homes, farmlands, and forestry areas. According to authorities, the disaster has so far claimed four lives, including one firefighter who died while trying to control the fire. Several other people have sustained injuries, some of them in serious condition.
The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), the body monitoring the situation, disclosed that about 250,000 hectares of land have already been burned. The affected areas include agricultural farms, livestock holdings, and forest reserves. Many families have been displaced after their first and second homes were either completely destroyed or partially damaged by the fires.
The Portuguese government has been battling to contain the situation with the help of hundreds of firefighters, emergency workers, and volunteers. However, the scale of the disaster has put heavy pressure on national resources. The arrival of international support, including the donation from Timor-Leste, is expected to give some relief as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue.
Forest fires are not new in Portugal, especially during the summer season when high temperatures and strong winds make rural areas more vulnerable. Over the years, the country has experienced deadly fires that destroyed lives and properties. But this year’s incident is being described as one of the worst in recent times because of the wide coverage and high level of destruction.
The government of Timor-Leste has said its assistance is a humanitarian gesture to show empathy and cooperation. Prime Minister Gusmão has maintained that nations must stand together in times of disaster, stressing that global unity is crucial when facing challenges such as natural disasters and climate-related crises.
Analysts say the donation will also further strengthen the diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Portugal. Portugal is a key partner for Timor-Leste in areas of governance, trade, education, and development aid. The two countries maintain close ties as Portugal was once the colonial power in Timor-Leste before the Asian nation gained independence.
Meanwhile, international relief organizations and the European Union have also been monitoring the fire disaster in Portugal and are expected to provide support to victims in the coming weeks. The focus now is on rebuilding destroyed homes, restoring farmlands, and preventing the spread of the fire to new areas.
For residents in Portugal, the journey to recovery may take months, if not years, considering the large hectares of farmland lost, the environmental damage, and the emotional trauma caused by the fires. Experts also warn that with climate change worsening weather conditions, European countries must invest more in fire prevention, early warning systems, and stronger emergency response units to reduce the impact of such disasters in the future.
As the international community continues to show solidarity, many families in Portugal are still counting their losses and hoping that recovery efforts will bring them back to stability. Timor-Leste’s 10 million dollar donation is seen as a strong message of friendship, solidarity, and support during a time of grief and rebuilding.
