DILI, 17 March 2026 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps to the 2026 Annual Diplomatic Reception, a two-day official event aimed at reaffirming diplomatic ties and highlighting Timor-Leste’s growing engagement in regional and international affairs.
Held under the theme “Reinforcing Friendship: Culture, Nature, and Diplomacy,” the gathering carries special significance this year as Timor-Leste celebrates its admission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The reception brings together resident and non-resident ambassadors and their spouses for a program combining official protocol, cultural activities and informal diplomatic exchanges.
The first day of the event began with a formal ceremony at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, where newly appointed non-resident ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to President Ramos-Horta.
The following non-resident Ambassadors presented their credentials to the Head of State, representing their respective nations:
- Serob Bejanyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
- Nicholas Panayiotou, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
- Tornike Nozadze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
- Wilson Kipngetich Kogo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya, residing in Canberra – Australia;
- Bernadette Tobin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Malta, residing in Rome – Italy;
- Zahid Hafeez Chaudri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
- Simon Wallace Namis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Papua New Guinea, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
- Ivana Golubovic-Duboca, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
- Bernardo de Sicart Escoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Spain, residing in Jakarta – Indonesia;
Later in the evening, the president hosted an official cocktail reception at the Nobre Palace Lahane in honor of the Diplomatic Corps. The reception provided an opportunity for diplomats and senior Timorese officials to interact in a cordial setting, encouraging dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding.
A key component of the event is the Presidential Social Programs Exhibition, titled “Vision and Action: A Presidency for All.” The exhibition highlights initiatives under President Ramos-Horta’s 2022–2027 mandate, which focuses on peace, justice and democratic resilience while promoting development that reaches every citizen.
Displayed programs include efforts to institutionalize Human Fraternity principles in education, nationwide social support initiatives led by the Civil Society and Social Affairs Services, and inclusion programs providing assistive devices and micro-business support for people with special needs.
Other featured initiatives include the Biblioteca Infantil, which offers daily extracurricular activities for vulnerable children, and Dapur ba Povu, a community nutrition program aimed at combating malnutrition.
On the second day, diplomats are offered an optional excursion to Ataúro Island, internationally recognized as a global epicenter of marine biodiversity.
A 2016 Conservation International survey recorded 642 reef fish species in its waters — the highest average reef fish diversity ever measured worldwide — while a 2025 expedition by OceanX confirmed more than 2,000 species, including the endemic Ataúro dwarfgoby.
The island’s natural wealth is central to Timor-Leste’s blue economy ambitions, with sustainable fisheries, marine tourism and aquaculture seen as key sectors for diversifying national revenues and supporting coastal communities.
Activities during the visit include snorkeling, diving and community encounters, followed by a sunset cocktail reception aboard the return vessel.
In a message marking the occasion, President Ramos-Horta emphasized the significance of the event and the country’s diplomatic aspirations.
“It is with fraternity and pride that I welcome you to the 2026 Annual Diplomatic Reception. This year’s gathering carries special significance as we celebrate Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN—a testament to our maturity as a sovereign state and our readiness to contribute to Southeast Asia’s stability and vitality. Our two-day journey highlights the pillars of our national identity: the UNESCO-heritage Tais, woven with stories of resistance and women’s empowerment; the pristine marine biodiversity of Ataúro Island, where nature and community-led diplomacy meet; and our Presidential Social Programmes, rooted in human fraternity and social justice. May the beauty of our seas and the warmth of our heritage inspire a new chapter of enduring friendship and strategic cooperation.”
The 2026 Annual Diplomatic Reception is organized by the Office of the Presidency in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste, APORTIL, and local partners including the Maritime Police and naval components.
The Presidency expressed appreciation to the Diplomatic Corps and partners involved in organizing the event, noting that the reception celebrates not only a successful gathering but also the enduring partnerships supporting Timor-Leste’s development and international engagement.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
