"Our nation’s development relies on more cooperation between our state’s institutions, namely President of Republic, National Parliament and government ,” Horta told the Independete on Wednesday after declaring publicly at UNTL campus in Dili his leadership goals. “Dissolving National Parliament will not realise the development goals people expect.”

The president said he wanted to create a “peaceful environment in the country”, insisting collaboration and dialogue between state organisations was essential to building it.

Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak welcomed Horta’s position, saying just hours after the president’s announcement that he was “immensely happy with the intention of President Horta to not dissolve the parliament.”

Speaking to media, Ruak praised Horta for his “commitment” to Timor-Leste’s peace and stability.

Ruak stressed that Timor-Leste’s political impasse in 2017 and 2018 set back the progress and the national development: “We are happy with Horta’s commitment to promoting national dialogue.”

“President Horta has always reiterated his idea of having a national dialogue with other State Organs, including the Government, and National Parliament. And we are deeply grateful for such commitment,” Ruak said.