Dili, March 2 (AseanAll)  — President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta attended a commemorative reception on March 2, 2026 at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan, Yasushi Yamamoto, to mark the 66th birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito. 

During the ceremony, the Head of State extended heartfelt wishes for health and longevity to the Emperor, recalling with fondness a personal meeting in Tokyo that highlighted His Majesty’s humility and humanist vision. This official presence underscores the deep respect Timor-Leste maintains for the Japanese Imperial House and the shared values of democracy, peace, and the rule of law that have bound the two nations for twenty-four years.

In a remark on that occasion, the President of the Republic highlighted the vital evolution of bilateral cooperation, specifically noting the transformative impact of the Tsuneishi Shipbuilding project in Manatuto and the development of renewable energy through the Manatuto solar plant. Gratitude was expressed for Japan’s unwavering support of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and the continuous technical assistance provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The partnership remains a cornerstone of national development, focusing on critical infrastructure, health stabilization, and the professional training of Timorese youth through various scholarship programs and technical exchanges.

Looking toward the future, the Head of State announced upcoming participations in the Island States Ocean Summit and the Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo scheduled for June 2026. These engagements aim to further solidify cooperation in maritime security and the blue economy within the framework of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. 

To conclude the evening, the Nobel Peace Laureate led a traditional toast to the enduring friendship between the two island nations, reaffirming a shared commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and a future of regional prosperity.