DILI, 12 june 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta met with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. This is the first visit of New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister to Timor-Leste.
Both sides discussed a range of regional and global issues. They underscored the need for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to and respect for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in relation to the South China Sea.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, President Ramos-Horta and Minister Peters jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded, unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance.
They shared deep concern regarding Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. They reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter.
During their meeting, the President and the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Timor-Leste and New Zealand’s deep commitment to enhancing and expanding bilateral relations while working together to support global cooperation and the fortification of multilateral institutions, including practical, constructive reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
Timor-Leste and New Zealand support a more representative Security Council that can command the respect of the wider UN membership, and where Permanent Members exercise their responsibilities for the benefit of international peace and security.
“As small states, our strength lies in unity and a shared commitment to ensuring that our multilateral institutions are more representative, and thereby well-equipped to uphold global peace,” said President Ramos-Horta.
“We have demonstrated, time and again, that small states like ours can play a valuable role in helping to address collective challenges facing the international community, including on peace and security issues” said Deputy Prime Minister Peters.
Both Timor-Leste and New Zealand also remain strongly opposed to the use of the veto. For the United Nations to maintain its relevance, and ensure that it truly represents the breadth of its membership – including small countries, such as Timor-Leste and New Zealand – the veto should never be used.
Timor-Leste and New Zealand will continue to work together in support of effective multilateral institutions that are fit for purpose and support our global needs.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
