Dili, July 2 (AseanAll) —Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, bestowed the prestigious Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste to two distinguished diplomatic representatives who have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s development and international relations.
The decoration has been conferred upon:
Mr. Marc Friedrich, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste
Mrs. Maria Manuela Freitas Bairos, Ambassador of Portugal to Timor-Leste
Ambassador Marc Friedrich is being honored for his pivotal role in strengthening relations between the European Union and Timor-Leste since assuming his position in September 2022. During his tenure, Ambassador Friedrich has focused extensively on supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organization, ASEAN, and the EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement. His leadership has been instrumental in extending EU support to improve nutrition and food security while helping to diversify the country’s economy.
Under Ambassador Friedrich’s guidance, the European Union has made substantial contributions to decentralization, judicial reform, and public finance management. He has also prioritized regular dialogue with civil society and worked to strengthen EU-Timor-Leste cooperation in multilateral forums to promote jointly held values and interests, particularly in areas of gender equality, inclusion, and diversity. Prior to his assignment in Timor-Leste, Ambassador Friedrich served in diplomatic postings in Nigeria and Venezuela, playing significant roles in the EU’s crisis response, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding efforts. On finishing his mandate in Timor-Leste, Ambassador Fiedrich will take up a new posting in August 2025, as Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union to Myanmar.
Ambassador Maria Manuela Freitas Bairos receives this recognition for her dedicated service as Ambassador of Portugal to Timor-Leste since March 2022. With over three decades of distinguished diplomatic service. Her extensive diplomatic career, which began in 1987, has spanned multiple continents and includes key postings as Consul-General in Boston and New York, and Ambassador to Cyprus with concurrent accreditation to Lebanon. Ambassador Bairos has been particularly involved in Portugal’s engagement with Timor-Leste dating back to the humanitarian crisis of 1999. Already recognized with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, she has demonstrated particular expertise in European affairs, Portuguese communities abroad, and Lusophone cooperation, making her uniquely qualified to strengthen the historic ties between Portugal and Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste and Portugal share a deep historical bond dating back to Timor-Leste’s time as a Portuguese colony until its independence in 1975. The two nations continue to nurture strong ties, with Portugal providing development assistance to Timor-Leste in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and building public administration capacity.
As members of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), Portugal and Timor-Leste have a platform for bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange. Their shared cultural, linguistic, and historical ties have facilitated diplomatic relations and cooperation across various fields.
In conferring these honors, President Ramos-Horta emphasized the fundamental importance of diplomatic relations in promoting friendship between peoples, which serves as a cornerstone for peace, national stability, and development in Timor-Leste. The President noted that both ambassadors have exemplified the highest standards of diplomatic service and international cooperation.
“Ambassador Friedrich and Ambassador Bairos have been true partners in our nation’s journey toward prosperity and international recognition,” stated President Ramos-Horta. “Their unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and their genuine dedication to the welfare of the Timorese people exemplify the spirit of international cooperation that is essential for our continued development as a young democracy country.”
The Order of Timor-Leste represents the nation’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare of Timor-Leste and its people through their professional achievements, social commitment, or acts of exceptional service.
