DILI, 20 october 2024 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the Vice-President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, for the 2024-2029 term.
The ceremony, held at the Nusantara-Parliament Hall in Jakarta, was attended by several world leaders.
In his inaugural speech, Indonesia’s eighth President stressed his commitment to strengthening good relations with all countries, especially his neighbors. “When it comes to international affairs, Indonesia has chosen a free path, we don’t want to follow any military pacts, so we want to choose the path of friendship with all countries,” declared Prabowo Subianto.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed his satisfaction at taking part in this moment together with representatives from different nations, highlighting an essential point of Prabowo’s speech: “as President, you cannot look only at yourself, your family or your group, but you must serve the people.” Xanana added: “It’s a thought that I too have always defended.”
The Prime Minister also pointed out that Prabowo recognized important challenges, such as food security, housing, and employment, and pledged to join forces to improve living conditions in Indonesia. The new Indonesian President “spoke about the problems facing Indonesia, not only in terms of food, but also in the lack of housing and employment. On international relations, Prabowo said that ‘all of Indonesia supports the State of Palestine’, a position we also share,” said Xanana.
“The President’s speech was, above all, a message aimed at society living in peace, without divisions, allowing everyone to contribute to the country’s development,” added Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.
Xanana said that Prabowo has expressed his intention to visit Timor-Leste, and that preparations will be made for this visit.
The Prime Minister reinforced that the IX Constitutional Government’s foreign policy is based on independence and sovereignty: “For Timor-Leste, there are no allies or enemies, everyone is just a friend. In a currently complex international environment, this will continue to be the principle that guides Timor-Leste in its foreign relations.”
After the ceremony, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, attended a dinner hosted by President Prabowo and Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Presidential Palace, which was attended by representatives from various countries.
Journalist: Natalino Belo
Editor: Evaristo Soares Martins
