(AseanAll) — Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta received the diplomatic credentials from YAMAMOTO Yasushi, as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The credential ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili on January 9th, 2026.
Ambassador Yamamoto is a senior diplomat with a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Educated at Tokyo University and Harvard University, he has held key postings across Asia and Europe, including multiple senior roles at embassies in China and South Korea, and served as Minister at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. His extensive experience in regional diplomacy includes directorship roles in the Cabinet Secretariat on the abduction issue and the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, a term at the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat in Seoul. His most recent position as Ambassador to the European Union, underscoring his deep expertise in bilateral and multilateral affairs ahead of his appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste,
President J. Ramos-Horta welcomed the new Ambassador of Japan, stated:
“I warmly welcome Ambassador YAMAMOTO Yasushi to Timor-Leste. Japan’s unwavering friendship and support since our independence have been foundational to our nation’s journey. I am confident that under Ambassador Yamamoto’s stewardship, we will see our cooperation deepen further, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, and private investment, building on the momentum of recent high-level engagements and shared commitments to a peaceful and prosperous region.”
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 2002, Timor-Leste and Japan have built a strong partnership based on mutual respect and shared values as maritime nations with histories of resilience. Japan has been a key supporter of Timor-Leste’s development, providing assistance in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster risk reduction [and environment protection among others], through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), international organizations, Japanese and Timorese NGOs.
Through high-level visits by Timorese Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão in December 2023 and President J. Ramos-Horta in August 2025—bilateral relations were elevated to a “Comprehensive Partnership.” Development cooperation has advanced significantly, marked by the construction of new hospital wards and 20 birthing centers, along with the upcoming airport terminal construction and the completion of 155 rural infrastructure projects in the past three years. Key initiatives have also expanded, such as a fresh flower cultivation program and major new Japanese investments in shipbuilding and solar power. Furthermore, people-to-people exchanges through trainee programs, academic exchanges, and youth visits continue to deepen the ties between the two nations.
J. Ramos-Horta expressed his full confidence that Ambassador YAMAMOTO Yasushi tenure will elevate and fortify the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Japan.
