DILI, 16 december 2025 (TATOLI) — President and Nobel Peace Laureate Jose Ramos-Horta on Monday bestowed the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Timor-Leste, KIMURA Tetsuya, in recognition of his outstanding diplomatic service and contribution to bilateral relations.
The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. The Order of Timor-Leste is the country’s highest distinction, awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the nation.
Ambassador Kimura received the honor under Decree of the President of the Republic No. 131/2025, acknowledging his role in strengthening ties between Timor-Leste and Japan and advancing cooperation across key sectors.
A career diplomat since 1986, Kimura has previously served as Ambassador for Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations in New York, Consul General in Munich, and Director-General of the Japan Sports Agency.
He has served as Japan’s ambassador to Timor-Leste since December 2022. During his tenure, relations between the two countries were elevated to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” following high-level visits by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão in December 2023 and President Ramos-Horta in August 2025.
Development cooperation expanded significantly during this period, including the construction of new hospital wards, 20 birthing centres, and preparations for a new airport terminal, as well as the completion of 155 rural infrastructure projects. Economic and social initiatives also grew, with programs in fresh flower cultivation and the launch of major Japanese investments in shipbuilding and solar power.
People-to-people exchanges were strengthened through the Technical Intern Trainee Program, launched in 2023, which has enabled more than 60 Timorese to work in Japan. Japanese language education expanded, including courses at the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL), while more than 40 Timorese began studies in Japan and around 100 young Timorese visited Japan through the JENESYS program over the past three years.
President Ramos-Horta praised Ambassador Kimura’s hands-on approach to diplomacy. “Ambassador Kimura did not just serve as a diplomat; he walked with our people. By visiting over 90 villages, he connected Japan’s partnership directly to the grassroots of Timor-Leste, turning diplomacy into tangible progress in health, infrastructure, and opportunity,” he said.
“His dedication has woven a stronger, more vibrant fabric for our Comprehensive Partnership, one that will benefit generations to come. This award is a testament to a diplomat who truly understood and served with the heart to our nation,” the president added.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 2002, Timor-Leste and Japan have developed a close partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values. Japan has been a longstanding supporter of Timor-Leste’s development through assistance in infrastructure, healthcare, education, disaster risk reduction and environmental protection, largely implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The awarding of the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste reflects the nation’s deep appreciation for Ambassador Kimura’s dedicated and impactful service.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
