DILI, 31 january 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta joined Australian officials, including Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, at the Australia National Day celebrations in Dili, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations and marking 50 years of the Timorese diaspora’s presence in Australia.
In his address, President Ramos-Horta recalled the significant support Australia provided to Timorese refugees who sought shelter from civil war and foreign occupation since August 1975. He emphasized how these early acts of hospitality laid the foundation for a robust bilateral relationship that continues to flourish through various cooperation programs in labor, education, and healthcare.
The President highlighted the ongoing development partnership between the two countries, noting the recent December 2024 celebration of their 25-year cooperation anniversary. He specifically mentioned Australia’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s sustainable development, including potential collaboration on the Greater Sunrise Field project along Timor-Leste’s South Coast.
During the celebration, Ramos-Horta also acknowledged Australia’s historical support, from World War II cooperation to Australia’s leadership in the 1999 INTERFET mission, which played a crucial role in Timor-Leste’s path to independence. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral ties as Timor-Leste deepens its regional integration through ASEAN and other international frameworks.
The Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, said that Australia Day is an opportunity for Australians to reflect on where “we have come from, who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.”
At the function, Ambassador Wilson spoke about the importance of the Australia-Timor-Leste relationship and said that: “Australia and Timor-Leste share a deeply personal connection, and our partnership is profoundly important to Australia. The stability, security, resilience, and prosperity of our two countries will always be interconnected. We are more than partners, we are neighbours with a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region”.
TATOLI
