DILI, 22 july 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta swore in Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares as the New Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Indonesia. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Ambassador Soares brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new role. He has served as Special Assistant to Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana and Chief of the Technical Negotiations Team for Land Border Delimitation of Timor-Leste. His previous positions include Secretary of State for ASEAN Affairs and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Notably, Ambassador Soares played a crucial role in Timor-Leste’s efforts to join ASEAN and led negotiations for the Concordat with the Holy See. He also negotiated the Visa Agreement with the European Union, enabling visa-free travel for Timorese citizens to EU countries. From 2009 to 2012, he served as Timor-Leste’s first Ambassador to Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
President Horta expressed confidence that Ambassador Soares appointment will further elevate and strengthen the robust bilateral cooperation and friendship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.
The two countries share history and have made significant progress in developing diplomatic and economic ties since Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002. Timor-Leste and Indonesia continue to enhance their bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including economic partnerships, joint border management and security efforts, educational and cultural exchanges, infrastructure development, diplomatic engagement, and health cooperation.
The appointment of Ambassador Roberto Soares underscores Timor-Leste’s commitment to regional stability and economic growth in Southeast Asia.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
