DILI, 30 august 2024 (TATOLI) – Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, is visiting Timor-Leste to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1999 Popular Consultation.
While in Timor-Leste, Minister Marles is also holding meetings with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and Minister for Defense, Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosário Costa Gomes, “Pedro Klamar Fuik”.
The leaders will be discussing Australia and Timor-Leste’s shared priorities and the broad nature of our security partnership and cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister is also representing Australia at the official commemorative events marking 25 years since the people of Timor-Leste voted for the restoration of independence.
Minister Marles says he is honored to be in Timor-Leste to mark this important occasion.“This is the 25th anniversary of the referendum that led to the creation of this vibrant democracy. Australia recognizes and commemorates the courage of the Timorese people to achieve this goal over many years,” he said.
“Australia and Timor-Leste have a strong relationship based on our shared history and longstanding people-to-people links between our two countries,” he emphasized.
The Hon. Richard Marles MP is the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Minister for Defense, and the Federal Member for Corio. Richard was first elected to the House of Representatives for Corio, Victoria, in 2007.
Richard’s previous ministerial appointments include Minister of Trade, Minister for Employment, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, and Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Affairs.
Born in 1967, Richard was raised and educated in Geelong and went on to study law and science, achieving a LLB (Hons) and a BSc from the University of Melbourne. Richard lives in Geelong with his wife Rachel and has four children, Sam, Isabella, Harvey, and Georgia. He is a devoted Geelong Cats supporter, golf fanatic, a keen photographer, a snowdome collector, and a local history enthusiast.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
