DILI, 28 august 2028 (TATOLI) – Former head of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) Ian Martin is proud to see that Timor-Leste has undergone significant changes.
“I see that Timor-Leste has now undergone significant changes compared to 1999. On the 25th anniversary of the popular consultation, Timor-Leste began to build infrastructure in various sectors. This is my pride; this is the purpose of independence. On this occasion, I will also visit several municipalities to greet the people of Timor-Leste,’ said Ian Martin during a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili, on wednesday.
“It is a great pleasure to return to a country at peace and in friendship with its neighbors. The spirit of 1999 was an extraordinary unity of purpose among those who overcame previous divisions to make real East Timor’s claim to self-determination. I hope this celebration will help that spirit to be understood by generations too young to have experienced it directly, and that independent Timor-Leste will draw upon that spirit as it meets its current and future challenges to develop Timor-Leste toward significant progress,” said Ian Martins.
At the same place, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, welcomed the visit of Ian Martin to Timor-Leste in participating in the celebration of the 25th of popular consultation.Minister Freitas informed that Ian Martin was invited by the State of Timor-Leste because, in a very difficult situation and conditions, he managed to carry out his mission well so that Timor-Leste could decide its self-determination at that time.
“We were visited by the former head of UNAME T, Ian Martin; we both discussed with each other and shared past experiences to reflect how to develop Timor-Leste in the future. He was very proud because, on the 25th anniversary of the popular consultation, Timor-Leste has experienced significant development changes,” he said.
Minister Freitas emphasized that it is time for Timor-Leste to recognize and dignify the people who contributed to Timor-Leste’s independence, including Ian Martin and the international community.
“We thanked former Head of UNAMET Ian Martin and other international friends who have contributed to Timor-Leste’s independence, and it is time for Timor-Leste to recognize and dignify their dedication,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
