President Ramos-Horta awards Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste to Australian Ambassador Caitlin Wilson
DÍLI, 30 October 2026 (TATOLI) – President José Ramos-Horta awarded Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste for her hard work and dedication during her three-year tenure.
The Order of Timor-Leste is the highest national honour of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the nation.
“Ambassador Wilson was awarded this distinction by Decree of the President of the Republic No. 127/2026, in recognition of the highly relevant role she has played in service of the Timorese people and her significant contribution to various sectors of the national development process within the framework of relations between Australia and Timor-Leste throughout her diplomatic mission in Timor-Leste,” said in a statement
Ambassador Wilson has been Australia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste since December 2023, having served as Chargé d’Affaires of Australia to Timor-Leste from May 2023.
During her time as Ambassador, Wilson has overseen the strengthening of the Timor-Leste–Australia relationship to historic highs.
Achievements during her tenure include advancing the Parseria Foun ba Era Foun, signed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the Australian Prime Minister’s visit to Dili in January 2026; supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN in 2025; mobilising Australian assistance for the historic Papal visit to Timor-Leste in 2024; expanding security cooperation and capability building; and fostering economic and business cooperation that will benefit Timor-Leste and Australia’s shared prosperity into the future.
Wilson’s impact on the relationship between Timor-Leste and Australia will be long lasting, and is testament to her hard work, leadership, and the genuine partnerships and friendships she has built throughout the country.
“On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, I am pleased to bestow the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Ambassador Caitlin Wilson in recognition of her distinguished service and personal contribution to the enduring friendship between Australia and Timor-Leste,” President Ramos-Horta said in a statement.
Ramos-Horta said that during her tenure, Ambassador Wilson had championed the economic partnership between the two countries, supported agricultural research and rural development, expanded opportunities for Timorese workers, and helped elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Her tenure also coincided with the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis in September 2024, when Australia’s valuable support and close cooperation contributed significantly to the success and safety of this landmark event. On behalf of all Timorese, I extend our sincere appreciation to Ambassador Caitlin and to the Government and people of Australia for their enduring friendship and support. I wish her success, good health and happiness in her next chapter — she is always welcome in Timor-Leste, a country where friendship is remembered and genuine partnerships are cherished,” said the Head of State.
Ambassador Caitlin Wilson after receiving the Medal from the President, said: “While saying goodbye is never easy, I leave with a profound warmth for the Timorese people and optimism for the future. Timor-Leste will always be in my heart.”
The conferral of the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Ambassador Caitlin Wilson reflects respect and gratitude of the people of Timor-Leste for Ambassador service, friendship and lasting contributions.
President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s profound gratitude for Australia’s steadfast friendship and assistance as the nation’s largest development and security partner since the restoration of independence in 2002.
The President concluded that the two close neighbours will continue to expand their productive partnership across multiple shared interests in the years ahead.
TATOLI
