Dili, January 30 (AseanAll) — Timorese President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, officially received the Letter of Credence from Mr. Ralf Beste, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The credentials ceremony was held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on 30 January 2026 .
Ambassador Ralf Beste is a seasoned diplomat who brings a distinguished career blending journalism, public service, and diplomatic leadership to his role. He previously served as a correspondent for major German publications, including the Ruhr Nachrichten and Berliner Zeitung, and spent thirteen years as a correspondent for Der Spiegel in Berlin. Transitioning to public service, He acted as spokesperson at the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Finance. Ambassador Beste also held senior positions at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, including Director for Strategic Communication, and Head of the Policy Planning Staff. He served as Ambassador of Germany to the Republic of Austria from 2019, prior to his recent role as Director-General for Culture and Society at the Federal Foreign Office.
Ramos-Horta welcomed Ambassador Beste and underscored the continued importance of the bilateral relationship.
“The evolving partnership between Timor-Leste and Germany, centered on empowering our people through skills and opportunity, opens a promising new chapter. I am confident that under Ambassador Beste’s stewardship, our cooperation will deepen, bringing mutual benefit to our nations,” stated President Ramos-Horta.
Timor-Leste and Germany established diplomatic relations on 20 May 2002. For over two decades, Germany has been a key partner, supporting Timor-Leste’s development through significant bilateral cooperation in peacebuilding, rural development, youth employment, and infrastructure, including the provision of the ferry “Berlin-Nakroma.” Following the conclusion of bilateral development cooperation in 2023, the partnership has dynamically evolved. A landmark state visit by President Ramos-Horta to German in June 2023 solidified a new focus on labour mobility and capacity building, with German agreeing to welcome Timorese workers and support vocational training initiatives.
Ramos-Horta expressed his confidence that the Ambassador Ralf Beste extensive experience will significantly contribute to deepening bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Germany.
