Dili, March 2 (AseanAll) — Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, officially received the Letters of Credence from Mr. CHANG Hayeon, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea(South Korea) to Timor-Leste. The formal ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, on March 2, 2026.
CHANG Hayeon brings a distinguished three-decade career in public service to his new role in Dili. A graduate of the Korean National Police University, he also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Yonsei University. His extensive career includes high-level leadership in public security as Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Deputy Commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency. He has also served in key diplomatic roles, including as Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President and subsequently as Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala. A recipient of the Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes) and multiple Presidential Citations, Ambassador Chang combines deep experience in security and governance with high-level diplomatic expertise.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002, Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea have cultivated a strong and friendly partnership. The Republic of Korea has been a vital partner in Timor-Leste’s development, providing significant support in education, capacity building, and human resource development. This cooperation has been furthered through contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, diplomatic exchanges, and key programs such as KOICA development projects, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and the Employment Permit System (EPS), which provides valuable employment opportunities for Timorese workers in Korea.
Ramos-Horta warmly welcomed Ambassador CHANG and expressed confidence in his ability to further deepen the ties between the two nations.
“Timor-Leste greatly values its friendship with the Republic of Korea, a partnership that has consistently contributed to our national development,” stated President Ramos-Horta. “I am confident that under Ambassador CHANG Hayeon’s stewardship, we will explore new avenues for partnership, particularly in the realm of security and public safety, leveraging his distinguished background.”
Ramos-Horta emphasized the importance of this longstanding friendship and noted the Ambassador’s unique blend of security and diplomatic experience as a valuable asset for future collaboration. The President expressed confidence that Ambassador CHANG Hayeon’s appointment will elevate and strengthen the existing cooperation and friendship between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea, building on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and prosperity in the region.
