Dili, March 19 (AseanAll) — On March 19, 2026,Timor-Leste President J. Ramos-Horta joined Ambassador Caitlin Wilson and high-level government officials to celebrate Australia’s National Day in Dili, highlighting a relationship built on decades of solidarity.
In a speech marked by both humor and diplomatic reflection, the President characterized Timor-Leste and Australia as “neighbors by geography and friends by choice. The head of State expressed deep gratitude for Australia’s historic support, from the Second World War to the 1999 stabilization missions and paid tribute to the many Australian citizens currently contributing to Timor-Leste’s national development.
The President emphasized the significance of the “New Partnership for a New Era,” a strategic framework recently established alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This partnership focuses on three vital pillars: regional peace and Timor-Leste’s path to ASEAN membership, economic prosperity through cooperation on projects like Greater Sunrise, and the strengthening of institutional links. President Ramos-Horta noted that the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty remains a global model for resolving complex disputes through peaceful dialogue and respect for international law.
The Head of State celebrated the “human bridge” created by labor mobility and academic exchanges, noting that over 20,000 Timorese placements have provided invaluable skills and income. Ambassador Wilson, marking her final Australia Day in Dili, reciprocated this sentiment by announcing a new 10-year human development initiative to enhance health and education services. The President concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the future of the bilateral bond, committed to a shared vision of prosperity and lasting peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
