DILI, 29 June 2025 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão affirmed that the 4th Asian Portuguese Community Conference (APCC), held from June 27 to 29 in Timor-Leste, contributes meaningfully to societal development.
“I firmly believe that this conference in Dili strengthens the bonds among our communities and peoples. It marks a decisive step toward development and the well-being of our societies,” said Prime Minister Xanana in his address at the Dili Convention Center (CCD) on Sunday.
He emphasized Timor-Leste’s unique position as the only Portuguese-speaking nation in East Asia and its special connection with minority Luso-descendant communities in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Indonesia, and India – ties that reinforce Timor-Leste’s natural affinity with the broader Asian region.
The Prime Minister noted that the APCC serves as a platform to showcase the cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage of these communities.
“We recognize one another not only through our shared heritage but also through our common vulnerabilities, the challenges we’ve overcome over centuries, and above all, our shared aspirations to create better living conditions for our communities,” he said.
Xanana recalled that the spirit of recognition and dialogue that gave birth to the first APCC in 2016 continues to thrive. He expressed gratitude to the Luso-descendant community of the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca for initiating this bold and unifying movement that has now reached Dili.
He underscored the importance of preserving and sharing a unique cultural heritage – one that emerges from small communities seeking connection, dialogue, mutual respect, and shared reflection on common challenges. This, he said, is something Timor-Leste must never forget.
“Despite our differences in geography, political systems, ideologies, or historical and cultural journeys, there is something that binds us in a unique way –our shared ancestry. That means we hold a common identity that sets us apart from other communities around the world. It also means we come together, spontaneously, through deep bonds of friendship and a shared will to cooperate,” he stated.
This gathering, he added, reaffirms a shared understanding that across Asia –even with physical and temporal distances –there remain communities that feel and speak, or once spoke, a common language and share cultural traits and values.
“These values are rooted in peace, friendship, and dignity. They are expressed through art, dance, music, and cuisine –magnificent cultural expressions we’ve had the privilege to witness here at the Convention Center in recent days.”
The third session of the conference was attended by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, government officials, and representatives from Portuguese communities in Malacca (Malaysia), the Portuguese Burghers of Batticaloa (Sri Lanka), the Bayingyis of the Mu Valley (Myanmar), parishes of Conceição, Santa Cruz, and Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Thailand), Macau (China), Goa (India), the Tugu Mardijkers of Jakarta, and the Larantuqueiros or Topasses of Flores (Indonesia).
The conference also brought together academics, researchers, cultural leaders, artists, and dignitaries from the Lusophone world to share research findings and diverse experiences, including students from universities in Dili and invited guests.
Journalist: Osoria Marques
Editor: Florencio Miranda
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
