DILI, 04 may 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo has confirmed he will attend the inauguration of Jose Ramos Horta as the 5th President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, on may 19, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK), Adaljiza Magno.
Magno said some heads of state have been invited by President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘Lu Olo’ to attend the event.
“The Incumbent President Lu Olo had invited his Indonesian, Portuguese, and USA counterparts, including Governor-General of Australia and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony,” Magno told reporters after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, at the Palace of the Government, in Dili, today.
She said Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak has also invited the Prime Ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Vanuatu, including the prime ministers of all Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) and ASEAN) member states.
“In addition, MNEK had also invited four secretaries of four multilateral institutions, including the Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Executive Secretary of CPLP, European Union, and the President of the g7+,” said Magno.
Three of the invited leaders had confirmed to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony: “President Rebelo, a minister from New Zealand, and the Governor-General of Australia had officially confirmed to attend the inauguration ceremony. But Australia will hold its general election on may 21, therefore, if the Governor-General of Australia attended the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, then they will need to return on the next day.”
Magno added she hadn’t received any official notice from other leaders regarding their presence at the inauguration ceremony.
“If the Secretary-General of UN, Antonio Guterres will not attend the event, then he may delegate his representative to participate in the ceremony,” Mago said.
The Presidential Inauguration Ceremony has been set to take place on may 19. Many of these leaders would also attend the 20th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence Day on may 20.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
