DILI, 07 may 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta participated in the Open Office Reception ceremony organized by the Brunei Darussalam Embassy at Timor Plaza today, underscoring the strong relationship between Timor-Leste and Brunei.
In an interview, President Horta emphasized the importance of respecting and participating in cultural events organized by foreign embassies and guests in Timor-Leste.
He said: “If our guests like embassies hold any ceremony, we need to show respect and willingness to participate, that’s why I came here.”
The President of the Republic acknowledged that the event is part of the religious, cultural, and traditional celebrations that Muslim nations hold after Ramadan.
The Head of State confirmed that Timor-Leste has an excellent relationship and cooperation with Brunei Darussalam.
He praised His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s leadership, which has brought peace, stability, and an absence of human rights crimes and radicalism to Brunei.
“I know His Majesty well, especially from the meetings and international conferences he always attends,” Ramos-Horta said, recalling his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Horta expressed his gratitude for Brunei’s support for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN from that time until the establishment of the Brunei Embassy in Dili in 2015, and continues up to now.
The President of the Republic extended an invitation to His Majesty the Sultan to visit Timor-Leste on may 20th as a special guest at the 22nd anniversary ceremony of Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence.
“We need to prepare well to welcome His Majesty,” Ramos-Horta stated, further elaborating on the importance of the upcoming visit to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
