DILI, 28 may 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta awarded the Honorific Order of Timor-Leste in the Colar Category to the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil resident in Timor-Leste, Maurício Medeiros de Assis, in recognition of his exemplary dedication and outstanding achievement over his three years’ diplomatic mission in Timor-Leste. The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Ambassador de Assis has had a distinguished 25-year career in the Brazilian Foreign Service, serving in various roles at the Ministry’s headquarters in Brasilia as well as at Brazilian diplomatic missions in Madrid, Sydney, Hanoi, and Shanghai before taking up his duties as Ambassador to Timor-Leste in December 2020.
Under Assis leadership, Brazil has provided invaluable support to Timor-Leste through the existing 23 cooperation agreements spanning education, public administration, justice, defense, security, professional training, health, and more.
Notably, Ambassador Assis facilitated the establishment of new bilateral cooperation projects with Timorese institutions and the revival of past initiatives.
In 2023, Brazil and Timor-Leste signed a Complementary Adjustment to the 2002 Agreement of Cooperation in Education regarding the creation of UNTL’s own Master Degree’s Program in Education. Fulfilling a demand formulated by the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, Ambassador de Assis organized a pilot-project aimed at training teachers from technical and vocational public schools in Dili and the municipalities. The Ambassador was also a strong supporter of “Operação Maubere”, a military training program provided by the Brazilian Army to Falintil’s Military Police. He further helped revigorated the technical cooperation with the National Parliament of Timor-Leste. Brazil will soon return to empower Becora’s SENAI Professional and Vocational Center and provide technical assistance to small scale farmers in Agroecology.
“Ambassador Assis has been a true friend of Timor-Leste, playing a fundamental role in promoting the interests of our nation and fostering the friendship between our peoples,” said Horta. “His professionalism, dedication and tireless efforts to advance our bilateral relationship are an inspiration and deserving of this highest honor.”
Diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Brazil were established on may 20, 2002 following Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence. Timor-Leste has steadfastly supported Brazil’s candidacies in various UN and international organizations over the years.
President Ramos-Horta expressed gratitude for Brazil’s unwavering support to Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
