DILI, 01 October 2025 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, undertakes a private visit to Portugal from October 3rd to October 7th 2025.
The visit will commence in Lisbon. On October 6, President Ramos-Horta presides over a ceremony to confer the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste in the categories of Collar, Medal, Medal of Merit, and Certificate of Recognition, upon distinguished former members of the Portuguese National Assembly and Individuals among the first and most dedicated supporters of Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence.
Under the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 90/2025, the following are awards with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste:
1. Dr. José Miguel Nunes Anacoreta Correia, Former Member of the CDS/PP Party
2. Dr. Carlos Manuel Natividade da Costa Candal (passed away on June 18, 2009), Founder and Former Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party (posthumously)
Under the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 117/2024, the President confers the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste to Mr. Paulo Ferraz (Journalist).
Under the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 100/2025, the President confers the Medal of Merit and Certificate of Recognition to Lieutenant General Carlos Manuel Mourato, former Commander-in-Chief of the National Republican Guard.
Reflecting on the ceremony, President Ramos-Horta stated: “Today, we honour the unwavering solidarity of these distinguished Portuguese personalities. Their early advocacy in the halls of Portugal’s democracy was vital for our cause, and this recognition is a testament to the enduring bonds between our nations.”
Following the decorations ceremony, on October 6-7, President Ramos-Horta will travel to the city of Braga.
President Ramos-Horta will receive the most prestigious academic honour, Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidade do Minho. The ceremony, presided over by Professor Luís Aguiar Conraria, acknowledges the President’s distinguished career and his exceptional contributions to peace, democracy, and the development of Timor-Leste.
The President of Portugal, His Excellency Professor Dr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will attend the ceremony.
Reflecting on the significance honor, President Ramos-Horta stated:
“This honor from the University of Minho is not just a personal distinction, but a recognition of the resilience of the Timorese people and the profound, unbreakable bond we share with Portugal. From our shared history to our common future, this visit is a testament to a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to democracy and human progress.”
For this travel to Portugal, President Ramos-Horta covers all the costs personally. The President is scheduled to depart Portugal on October 8 and will arrive in Timor-Leste on October 9, 2025.
TATOLI
