UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham replies to President Ramos-Horta’s congratulatory letter
DÍLI, 28 August 2026 (TATOLIO) – President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta has received a letter from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham MP, in reply to the President’s earlier congratulatory message on Burnham’s appointment as Prime-Minister of United Kingdom.
The exchange of correspondence highlights the enduring friendship and shared commitment to democratic values between Timor-Leste and the United Kingdom.
In his initial letter, dated 21 July 2026, President Ramos-Horta congratulated Prime Minister Burnham on his appointment, describing it as a significant moment in the United Kingdom’s political life.
He expressed confidence in Burnham’s leadership and wished him success in guiding the country towards greater prosperity, stability and progress while promoting democratic values, social justice and sustainable development.
“The assumption of this important responsibility represents a significant moment in the political life of the United Kingdom and demonstrates the confidence placed in Your Excellency to lead His Majesty’s Government and serve the British people,” he said.
Ramos-Horta stressed that Timor-Leste and the United Kingdom share a relationship of friendship and mutual respect, founded upon common values of democracy, peace, human rights, the rule of law, and international cooperation.
“We particularly appreciate the United Kingdom’s contribution to the promotion of international peace and security, as well as its commitment to multilateralism and addressing global challenges. In this context, I reaffirm my commitment to continuing to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and the United Kingdom, including through the further development of ties with the Timorese community residing in the United Kingdom, whose integration into British society constitutes an important bridge of friendship and understanding between our peoples. In wishing Your Excellency every success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, I take this opportunity to renew my wishes for your good health, personal happiness, and prosperity for the friendly people of the United Kingdom,” he said.
In his reply, dated 18 August 2026, Prime Minister Burnham expressed his gratitude and outlined a shared vision for future cooperation, acknowledging Timor-Leste’s growing role on the international stage.
“Dear President, Thank you for your kind letter of congratulations on my appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It is an honour to serve in this role, and I look forward to working with you to strengthen the friendship between the United Kingdom and Timor-Leste. Our two countries share a commitment to democracy, peace, human rights, and the rule of law, and your personal leadership on these issues remains a source of inspiration. At a time of increasing global instability, it is more important than ever that countries committed to these values work together to find collective solutions to shared challenges,” he said.
Prime Minister Burnham said that the United Kingdom looked forward to deepening cooperation with Timor-Leste, including as it prepared for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
“We also value Timor-Leste’s strong voice in international climate negotiations and your principled stance in other UN fora, including on issues of self-determination. I welcome our bilateral cooperation in areas such as health security and the valuable contribution of the Timorese community in the United Kingdom as a bridge between our societies. With best wishes, Andy Burnham,” he said.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, multilateral diplomacy and reinforcing the longstanding friendship between Timor-Leste and the United Kingdom.
TATOLI
