Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Social Communication Service Unit
Monthly Newsletter – October 2024
Highlights from the Media Presidency of the Republic, President José Ramos-Horta
Presidential Diplomatic Engagements:
- Visit to Australia (October 3-12)
President J. Ramos-Horta conducted a significant private visit to Australia, engaging in various high-profile events:
- Delivered an address at the Sydney Opera House on “The Value of Independence”,
- Spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra, highlighting Timor-Leste’s reconciliation model,
- Met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC,
- Launched the “Ataúro Lobster Project” in partnership with the University of Tasmania,
- Engaged with academic institutions including UNSW and the University of Tasmania,
- Participated in an interview with SBS Australia discussing national progress.
- Working Visit to Portugal (October 22-27)
President Ramos-Horta’s diplomatic mission to Portugal included several notable achievements:
- Received the prestigious Guerra Junqueiro Lusophone Award in Porto,
- Participated in the Estoril Conferences alongside Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa,
- Awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste to former Portuguese Ambassadors,
- Met with Club of Madrid representatives including former world leaders,
- Addressed ASEAN integration and China relations in an interview with Diário de Notícias.
National Development & Social Initiatives:
- Business & Economic Development
- Awarded national honors to East Timor Trading Group founders Mrs. Neelofer Awan and Mrs. Zeenat Aluwihare for their contributions to national development (October 30),
- Met with Institute of Finance and Sustainability delegation to discuss green tourism initiatives.
Cultural & Tourism Promotion:
- Inaugurated and presided over the Rabilau Festival 2024 (October 16-18),
- Called for the festival to become an annual event,
- Launched a Gastronomy Fair showcasing traditional Timorese cuisine,
- Inaugurated a Traditional Secret House.
Humanitarian & Social Support:
- Led humanitarian assistance programs in Manufahi Municipality,
- Distributed aid to vulnerable communities in Bobonaro,
- Supported the World Sight Day celebration at Guido Valadares National Hospital,
- Appreciated the donation of 4 hectares of land for Santa Bakhita School Center in Manufahi.
Diplomatic Appointments:
- Sworn in new ambassadors to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Thailand (October 15).
Education & Youth Initiatives:
- Youth Engagement
- Addressed climate change action at the National Permayouth Camp 2024 in Ermera,
- Supported the socialization of Human Fraternity Declaration in schools across Bobonaro, Liquiça, and Ermera.
Administrative Affairs:
- Presidency presented its 2025 budget proposal and 2024 budget execution to the National Parliament,
- Called for legal compliance from the Secretary of State for Toponymy and Dili Municipal Authority regarding street vendor regulations.
For more information about the Presidency’s activities, please visit our official website: https://presidenciarepublica.tl/ or follow our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPRTL/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presidencia_da_rdtl/.
END//
Download the October Newsletter in other languages here: PT | TET | IND
