DILI, 17 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The Angolan Ambassador to Timor-Leste, José Lemos, reaffirmed on Friday Angola’s commitment to peace, international solidarity and multilateral cooperation as the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence.
The commemoration took place in Dili at Hotel Timor under the theme Preserving and valuing the achievements made, building a better future.
In his remarks, the Ambassador said Angola would continue to work with Timor-Leste and its partners to promote an international order that is “more equitable, inclusive and oriented towards sustainable development.”
José Lemos expressed “profound gratitude” to the Timorese people and Government for the friendship and solidarity shown over the years, noting that these ties have strengthened bilateral relations.
He also thanked his family, acknowledging the “support and comfort, direct and indirect,” that have been essential to fulfilling his duties and carrying out his mission in Timor-Leste.
The Ambassador called for stronger ties between the two nations and said the anniversary should inspire both Angola and Timor-Leste to “build together a future of shared prosperity.”
He stressed that Angola is aligning its efforts with the National Development Plan 2023–2027 and the Angola 2050 Strategy as part of its goal to reinforce the country’s role at the regional and international levels.
He added that Angola is undergoing a period of economic transformation driven by a vision focused on diversifying the economy, modernizing infrastructure, strengthening human capital, promoting good governance, and advancing social inclusion and gender equality.
“At the national level, the minerals, oil and gas sector remains one of the pillars of the national economy, contributing decisively to the consolidation of public finances and economic growth. Angola maintains an average daily production of 1,054,672 barrels of oil, with exports reaching 90.9 million barrels in the third quarter of 2025, destined for regional and international markets,” he said.
President José Ramos-Horta highlighted the “fundamental role” of the Angolan Embassy in strengthening bilateral relations and praised the work of Ambassador José Andrade de Lemos and his team, whose dedication has helped deepen the historical, cultural and political ties between the two countries.
Ramos-Horta pointed to cooperation in the health sector as a concrete example of the partnership, recalling the deployment of an Angolan neurosurgeon to Dili under the International Red Cross. He said the specialist has served the Timorese population “with exemplary dedication,” calling it a meaningful demonstration of solidarity between the two States.
The Head of State emphasized the relationship between Timor-Leste and Angola, stating: “A vossa incansável dedicação contribui diariamente para estreitar os laços históricos, culturais e políticos que unem os nossos povos.”
The President added that “Timor-Leste feels a deep affinity with the history of Angola,” stressing that “the friendship is based on universal values of solidarity, justice and cooperation, and that it is with confidence that we look to the future of our bilateral relations.”
“I am fully convinced that the ties between Timor-Leste and Angola will continue to grow closer, both in political and economic dialogue, as well as within multilateral cooperation, strengthening our presence in the CPLP, the African Union and other mechanisms of international understanding,” he concluded.
The event was attended by Vice-Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, diplomats and development partners, among others.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
