Dili, January 29 (AseanAll)  — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, accompanied by Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and members of the Government, bid a warm farewell to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, MP, on the morning of January 29, 2026 at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili.

The departure marked the conclusion of a historic two-day official visit that showcased the unique personal and diplomatic bonds between the two nations. From the warm traditional welcome to the iconic moment when the President personally drove the Australian leader to the Presidential Palace in his electric Moke, the visit was characterized by the hospitality and “family” spirit that defines the relationship between Timor-Leste and Australia.

During the visit, Ramos-Horta led high-level discussions at the Presidential Palace, focusing on a shared vision for a stable and prosperous region. The Presidency highlighted significant progress in maritime security, the Greater Sunrise development, and the expansion of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.Ramos-Horta expressed the nation’s profound gratitude for Australia’s continued development support, underlining that the discussed bilateral security cooperation and human capital development initiatives will ensure both nations continue to walk side-by-side toward a future of shared opportunities.

One of the most prominent highlights of the visit was the President’s conferral of the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Prime Minister Albanese, the nation’s highest honor, in recognition of his exceptional dedication to strengthening bilateral ties. In his final reflections, President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed that the two countries are united by common values and a shared history.