DILI, 28 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta bestowed the prestigious Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Wan Hadfi Lutfan bin Haji Abdul Latif, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Timor-Leste.
The ceremony was held at the ASEAN Hall of the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace during an informal cocktail event for ASEAN Ambassadors, to commemorate the landmark decision admitting Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Order of Timor-Leste was awarded to Ambassador Latif in recognition of his exceptional diplomatic service since presenting his credentials on July 15, 2022.
Under Ambassador Wan Hadfi’s tenure, bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam have achieved unprecedented progress through reciprocal state visits between His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and President Ramos-Horta, strategic ministerial exchanges, and the signing of crucial agreements covering air services, worker recruitment, and visa exemptions.
Notable achievements during his tenure include enhanced cooperation in higher education through SEAMEO VOCTECH’s TVET policy revision project, healthcare collaboration resulting in provisional accreditation for Dili Medical Center, expanded private sector partnerships led by companies such as Daikyo Industrial Gas, and Timor-Leste’s inaugural participation in the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.
“Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan has exemplified the finest traditions of diplomacy through his dedicated service to strengthening the bonds between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam,” President Ramos-Horta stated. “His efforts over the past two years have created foundations for cooperation that will benefit both our peoples for generations to come.”
President Horta expressed profound gratitude to all ASEAN Member States for their solidarity and unwavering support throughout Timor-Leste’s membership journey, as well as to development partners for their continued commitment.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
