President José Ramos-Horta confers State Honors on Vanuatu leaders and police officers for their contributions to Timor-Leste

DÍLI, 30 July 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, has conferred Timor-Leste’s state honors upon Vanuatu leaders and fifty-nine police officers, in recognition of their unwavering contribution and solidarity during Timor-Leste’s struggle for self-determination.

The solemn decoration ceremony took place at the State Office in Port Vila as part of the President’s first State Visit to Vanuatu, coinciding with the nation’s 46th Independence Day celebrations.

President Ramos-Horta bestowed the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon three distinguished leaders:

The Honourable Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of Vanuatu (Decree of the President of the Republic No. 77/2026);

The Honourable Barak Tame Sope, Former Prime Minister of Vanuatu (Decree of the President of the Republic No. 80/2026); and

The late Honourable Rev. Walter Lini, First Prime Minister and Founding Father of Vanuatu (posthumously, Decree of the President of the Republic No. 43/2015).

The Order of Timor-Leste is reserved for individuals who have committed spontaneous acts of heroism and altruism, significantly contributing to the well-being of Timor-Leste, its people, or humanity. The honor recognizes their commitment to strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Vanuatu and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Continuing the historic bonds of solidarity that unite the two nations, Vanuatu has maintained its support for deepening bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste. This convergence of values and shared objectives grounded in the promotion of peace, stability, and development has contributed to strengthening relations between the two States and consolidating cooperation within the regional context.

The Honourable Jotham Napat, represents the most recent and reaffirming chapter in the enduring friendship between Vanuatu and Timor-Leste. His leadership continues to strengthen bilateral ties, ensuring that the two Small Island States remain allied voices within the Asia-Pacific region, united by shared challenges, mutual respect, and a dedication to collective sovereignty.

The Honourable Barak Tame Sope, a steadfast friend of Timor-Leste whose solidarity transcended traditional diplomacy. He traveled to Africa to champion the Timorese cause on the international stage and made the pivotal decision to deploy Vanuatu police officers to Timor-Leste. Most profoundly, he opened his own home to shelter Timorese independence fighters, demonstrating a deeply personal commitment.

The late Honourable Rev. Walter Lini, The First Prime Minister of Vanuatu and a figure in Melanesian leadership, was an early and vocal advocate for the Timorese people, though he passed away before Timor-Leste’s official restoration of independence in 2002. His moral clarity and regional solidarity helped illuminate the path toward self-determination, leaving a legacy of principled support that inspired a generation of Pacific allies.

By Decree of the President of the Republic No. 86/2026, President Ramos-Horta also bestowed the Solidarity Medal of Timor-Leste upon fifty-nine meritorious Police Officers who served in the UN mission in Timor-Leste, in recognition of their courageous service in maintaining peace and security during the nation’s fragile early years.

The 59 Police Officers were among the first group deployed to Timor-Leste under the UNTAET Mission, providing not just security and order but also the tangible presence of international faith. Their service embodied the belief that peace could be restored, and their present on the ground gave hope to a nation in its darkest hours.

Following is the Vanuatu 59 Police Officers from UNTAET Mission that conferred with the Solidarity Medal of Timor-Leste and Certificate of Recognition:

 “It is my privilege to bestow the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon The Honourable Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of Vanuatu; The Honourable Barak Tame Sope, former Prime Minister of Vanuatu; and the late Honourable Walter Lini, former Prime Minister and Founding Father of Vanuatu—as well as Solidarity Medals upon meritorious police officers who served in UNTAET, for their unwavering and courageous commitment to the achievement and maintenance of freedom in Timor-Leste,” stated President Ramos-Horta. “Vanuatu’s friendship has been evident, especially through the continuous agency and deep respect for the Timorese people, their aspirations, and their future, as demonstrated by those we honor today.”

President Ramos-Horta paid tribute to Vanuatu’s unique role as the only Pacific Island state to have stood by Timor-Leste during its darkest hours. He highlighted the profound historical and spiritual connection between the two nations, rooted in a shared struggle for sovereignty. The President specifically underscored the extraordinary personal sacrifice of former Prime Minister Barak Sope, noting that his solidarity was not merely diplomatic but deeply tangible. President also paid homage to the legacy of the late Father Walter Lini, whose advocacy for global self-determination inspired the Timorese people, and commended the fifty-nine police officers who served under the UN mission in Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta further connected Prime Minister Napat’s current leadership to this powerful legacy, reaffirming the steadfast friendship that ties the two nations.

On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, President Ramos-Horta extended profound gratitude for the enduring friendship and steadfast solidarity. President emphasized that the honors conferred today stand not only as a symbol of deep appreciation but also as a lasting bond between the two nations. President looked forward to deepening the partnership with Vanuatu in the years ahead, carrying forward the vision and support that have been instrumental from the very beginning.

TATOLI