DILI, 21 August 2025 (TATOLI) – Today, José Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic, begins an official visit to Japan from August 21 to August 29, as a guest of the Government of Japan. The visit coincides with Timor-Leste’s National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
This visit underscores the strong and enduring ties of friendship and partnership between Timor-Leste and Japan. Since the restoration of independence, Japan has been a steadfast supporter of Timor-Leste, providing vital assistance in infrastructure, human capital development, governance, and peacebuilding.
President Ramos-Horta emphasized the importance of this relationship, stating: “Japan has stood as a steadfast partner for Timor-Leste since the restoration of our independence. This visit is an opportunity not only to celebrate our friendship but also to chart new pathways for cooperation that benefit both our peoples.”
During his time in Japan, President Horta will participate in a series of high-level engagements:
- Meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan – President Horta will hold an official working lunch with the Prime Minister to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic development, investment, renewable energy, and regional peace and security;
- Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai – The President will attend Timor-Leste’s National Day at the World Expo, where the country will showcase its culture, history, and aspirations as part of the global community. The celebration will highlight Timor-Leste’s achievements and future potential in tourism, investment, and cultural exchange;
- HPAIR 2025 Asia Conference – President Ramos-Horta will deliver a keynote address at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) conference, a joint initiative hosted by Harvard University and the University of Tokyo. His remarks will reflect Timor-Leste’s journey of resilience and its perspectives on global cooperation, leadership, and regional integration;
- Visit to Tsuneishi Facilities – The President will visit Tsuneishi’s facilities in Fukuyama to attend the delivery of a new ship and tour the company’s operations, following the establishment of Tsuneishi in Timor-Leste in 2024;
- United Nations University in Tokyo – President Horta will deliver a lecture at the UN University, sharing insights from Timor-Leste’s experience in peacebuilding, democracy, and sustainable development. He will also emphasize the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change, inequality, and global security challenges;
Through this visit, Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Japan and contributing actively to regional and global dialogue. These engagements highlight Timor-Leste’s growing role as a young democracy, a bridge-builder in Asia and the Pacific, and a nation firmly committed to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Journalist: Camílio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
