DILI, 20 july 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta gave a speech to students and lecturers at the University of Indonesia (UI), in Depok of West Java with the theme: “A Long and Winding Road Towards Peace and Resolving Conflicts Lessons from Asia’s Newest Nation.”
Hundreds of students, together with lecturers of the UI were gathered at the Juwono Sudarsono Hall to hear Horta’s presentation which was focused on International Relations and Conflict Resolution.
Horta emphasized that considering various thoughts of different world leaders and countries is essential to solving and ending the conflict between countries: “But, the most important thing is the conflict resolution initiative has to come from countries at conflict.”
Horta said the relationships between Timor-Leste and Indonesia have been going well for more than two decades now: “Timor-Leste is currently living in peace and stability as there is no political, ethnic and religious conflict and organized crime.”
The Head of State also praised the development of the democracy in Timor-Leste, saying, for instance, the presidential election was realized peacefully.
On the other hand, concerning human development, Horta said the life expectancy increased by 10 years since 2002: “We have many qualified human resources who graduated from Indonesian Universities and other universities around the globe. These human resources will contribute to the national development of the nation. For instance, Timorese doctors are better than some of the ASEAN member states in terms of providing health care services.”
Horta stressed that Timor-Leste has fulfilled many of the requirements and is ready to be the newest member of ASEAN by the end of 2023: “But, it depends on the decision of the top leaders of ASEAN.”
Horta expressed his deep appreciation for Indonesian support for Timor-Leste’s bid for ASEAN membership.
The Rector of UI, Ari Kuncoro thanked President Horta for giving the lecture at the Depok Campus of UI: “We are honored as many Timorese who graduated from UI could contribute to the development of Timor-Leste.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of UI, Semiarto Purwanto described that the relationship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia is exceptional as both countries are located in the Southeast Asia region, the land of Austronesia and Polinesia.”
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
