(AseanAll)  — Addressing the High-Level Plenary of the Melanesian Oceans Summit on May 12, 2026, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste J. Ramos-Horta delivered a passionate call for unified “blue diplomacy” to combat the escalating threats to marine health. 

Speaking as a Guest of Honor, the President highlighted Timor-Leste’s unique geographic and ecological position as a link between the Coral Triangle and the Pacific. The Head of State emphasized that the extraordinary biodiversity shared by the region—housing 76% of known coral species and over 2,200 reef fish species—carries an “equally extraordinary responsibility” for conservation and intergenerational preservation.

The President outlined Timor-Leste’s robust national initiatives, championed by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, including the new Blue Economy Policy and the establishment of a national marine park around Atauro Island. 

Ramos-Horta also highlighted the country’s firm commitment to international frameworks, noting recent ratifications of agreements protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. A major focus of his address was the urgent fight against marine plastic pollution, referencing Timor-Leste’s global commitments made at the World Economic Forum and local awareness campaigns like the “Blue Fish” initiative.

Reaffirming Timor-Leste’s strategic role following its full accession to ASEAN, President Ramos-Horta pledged his country’s support for the Pacific’s collective environmental goals, including the global 30×30 target. “International law is not an abstract concept for small states like Timor-Leste. It is the foundation of our sovereignty, independence, and peaceful integration into the international system,” stated President Ramos-Horta, underscoring that even the smallest nations can achieve justice and equitable solutions through law and shared resolve.