DILI, 24 September 2025 (TATOLI) — The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta has awarded Timor-Leste’s highest honor to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in recognition of his leadership and Malaysia’s steadfast support for the nation.
The Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste was conferred on Anwar during the 2025 Presidential Lecture Series IV at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on Wednesday, September 24.
The event also featured Anwar’s keynote address on “ASEAN and The Role of Timor-Leste.”
President Ramos-Horta hailed Malaysia’s critical contributions to Timor-Leste’s journey, from peacekeeping missions to sustained support in nation-building.
“Today, we are honored not just as a leader, but as a steadfast friend of Timor-Leste. Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to our nation’s journey, and Malaysia’s unwavering support—from the pivotal peacekeeping efforts of 1999 to our shared aspiration for ASEAN membership—exemplify the very meaning of solidarity. This partnership, forged in challenging times, is now a cornerstone of our future prosperity and regional integration.” stated President José Ramos-Horta.
Anwar accepted the award with humility, dedicating it to Malaysians. He emphasized the shared aspirations of both nations within the ASEAN community.
The Prime Minister called Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession historic and praised the nation’s persistence.
“Timor-Leste persevered with the processes of full accession to ASEAN is a testament to its extraordinary determination,” said Prime Minister Anwar. “I am confident that this forward-looking resolve will allow Timor-Leste to quickly become a key, proactive member of ASEAN with a meaningful and productive role. By holding its principled domestic course on governance and peacebuilding, Timor-Leste can serve as a moral sounding board for the region, while its established ties with the Lusophone world and the Pacific Islands position Timor-Leste as a unique bridge, capable of facilitating strategic inroads for ASEAN’s broader regional engagements.”
He further urged ASEAN to pursue an inclusive and interdependent future. He stressed that regional success depends on sustainability, solidarity, and leaving no one behind.
The ceremony was attended by lawmakers, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, students, and civil society representatives. Guests included delegations and alumni from Malaysia, China, Japan, and Australia, as well as Timorese ASEAN youth leaders.
Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit to Timor-Leste concluded on September 24.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
