The UN chief was met on the airport by Timorese President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão with a musical celebration and full army honors.
Public welcome
Hundreds lined the streets of the capital Dili as youngsters greeted Mr. Guterres holding UN and Timor-Leste flags.
On the presidential palace, he stated his go to was an illustration of solidarity.
“The United Nations and the Timorese individuals stood aspect by aspect at a time when the nation took the constructing of its future into its personal arms. The United Nations will proceed to assist the aspirations of the Timorese individuals within the journey forward”.
At a press convention, Mr. Guterres said Asian nation will make its voice heard on the Summit of the Future, which shall be held on the UN headquarters in September, “because the world has lots to study from Timor-Leste”, he stated.
The event battle stays
Referring to the favored session organized by the UN that culminated within the nation’s independence, he stated that right now’s historic milestone was a “name for unity and celebration of the collective previous”.
Mr. Guterres described Timor-Leste for example of develop as a nation at peace, having been born out of armed wrestle in 2002, that may additionally now reside in concord with its neighbours.
He praised the nation for being a “consolidated democracy” devoted to respect for human rights and basic freedoms.
Historic anchor of assist
The UN performed an important function earlier than and after independence, deploying a transitional administration in what was then known as East Timor in 1992, to construct the nation up for self-government, which ultimately got here ten years later following settlement between former rulers Indonesia and Portugal, for the East Timorese to carry a referendum.
As an impartial nation, Timor-Leste joined the UN and a brand new mission was created to assist its growth, together with a brand new framework put in place for 4 years from 2015.
The UN has greater than 20 resident and non-resident companies helping the nation, permitting the Group to play a coverage growth and advocacy function in any respect ranges.
UN Photograph/Kiara Value
Secretary-Normal arrives in Timor-Leste to attend the celebrations of the twenty fifth Anniversary of the Referendum.
Battle for growth
“Timor-Leste gained the battle of independence, Timor-Leste gained the battle of democracy, Timor-Leste is an exemplary nation by way of human rights, nevertheless it additionally has to win the battle of growth”, he stated.
He added that the UN would proceed partnering with Timor Leste to assist them win the battle for meals safety, schooling, a well being service match for all, and improved infrastructure.
Dialogue on Myanmar
He praised President Ramos-Horta for having persevered prior to now, even beneath probably the most tough circumstances, “with the religion that ultimately the independence of Timor-Leste could be a actuality”.
Mr. Guterres famous that the hundreds of younger individuals he had seen on the streets of the capital had not skilled the “heroic wrestle of resistance” for themselves, that allowed the referendum which paved the way in which to independence to happen.
Always remember
He stated it’s essential that they and future generations don’t forget this combat.
The 2 leaders pledged to ascertain a dialogue and collaboration in relation to the disaster in Myanmar which was sparked by the army coup of 2021 and ensuing brutal crackdown, and to deal with different peace and safety problems with mutual concern.
The Secretary-Normal additionally expressed “huge gratitude for the nice and cozy welcome and great hospitality” with which he was acquired in Timor-Leste.
