DILI, 16 july 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos Horta, congratulated Keir Starmer on his election as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
On the day of Keir Starmer’s election as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in the elections which held on july 04, 2024, President Horta sent a congratulatory message.
On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, the Head of State expressed his most sincere congratulations on the historic victory of the Labor Party under Keir Starmer’s leadership, highlighting that this marks a new era of transformation, full of hope and optimism for the United Kingdom.
Horta expressed the expectation of positive and constructive collaboration with the newly elected Government, aiming to deepen the ties between Timor-Leste and the United Kingdom and strengthen new partnerships in all areas, promoting mutual growth and prosperity.
Furthermore, he emphasized, “the importance of the long-awaited opening of the United Kingdom Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste, as a significant step to reinforce diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries.” This action will allow for maximizing opportunities arising from Timor-Leste’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the imminent accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025.
Horta also “acknowledged the significant presence of the Timorese diaspora in the United Kingdom, whose remittances represent the second largest source of income for Timor-Leste, after oil and gas revenues, and expressed gratitude for the generous hospitality of the United Kingdom and its people”.
At a critical moment for world affairs, President Ramos-Horta emphasized the importance of the United Kingdom’s new leadership in promoting international peace and stability. He reaffirmed his willingness to collaborate closely with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Government to continue promoting the shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in the region and the world.
The Head of State concluded by extending his best wishes for Keir Starmer’s mandate as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
