DILI, 27 November 2025 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, sworn in Manuel Antonio Araujo Serrano as the New Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Portugal. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Ambassador Manuel Antonio Araujo Serrano is a distinguished diplomat with his career includes significant roles in both foundations and government, having served as the President of the “Xanana Gusmão Foundation” from 2002 to 2006, the Chief of Staff to the Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Ramos-Horta, from 2006 to 2008, the Director for the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, and held the position of Consul General of RDTL to Denpasar, Bali (2006-2008).
His highest diplomatic posting was as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia from 2009 to 2016. More recently, Ambassador Manuel Serrano was the Director General of SNI in the office of the Prime Minister (2017-2021) and served as an Adviser to the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for both Social Affairs and Economic Affairs from 2023 to 2025.
President Ramos-Horta expressed his confidence that Ambassador Serrano’s extensive diplomatic experience will significantly contribute to deepening bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Portugal. The President affirmed, “Our relationship with Portugal is a foundational pillar of our foreign policy, built on shared history, culture, and language. Ambassador Serrano’s proven leadership and diplomatic skill set will be instrumental in advancing cooperation and fostering new opportunities for collaboration.”
The bilateral relationship between Timor-Leste and Portugal is a deep and multifaceted partnership, rooted in shared history, language, and culture. This link is reinforced by 77 bilateral agreements and a strategic cooperation program that has been active since 2011. Portugal’s indispensable support in critical sectors such as education, justice, and defence, combined with high-level, consistent political dialogue, makes Timor-Leste one of the most vital and sustainable international partners.
The appointment of Ambassador Manuel Antonio Araujo Serrano reaffirms Timor-Leste’s commitment to strengthening these relations at the bilateral level and within the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).
TATOLI
