Answering to the concerns of parliamentarians, minister Magalhaes said Dr Babo had not been invited to the appointment of three ambassadors despite his relevance to the ceremony.

However, a press release issued by the presidential palace claims that a letter was sent to the minister’s office informing him of the event. The release also stated that the presence of the minister of foreign affairs and cooperation was expected. 

“The presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and cooperation is very necessary (indispensable) and refers to ordinary practices. There is no need to send invitations to request the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in this event, which is led by the Head of State”. Tempotimor reached out to the foreign affairs office for a response, but none picked up their phone to give a comment.