The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, congratulated the Timorese people on the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence Day and the Inauguration of the new President Jose Ramos Horta.
Guterres delivered his messages of congratulations to the people of Timor-Leste and the new President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta via a video message released on thursday.
“It is a great honor and a great pleasure for me to join the Timorese people in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste (RDTL), said Guterres.
“I am attached to Timor-Leste and I have great admiration for the Timorese people and for the path they have taken to see their legitimate aspirations realized,” Guterres stresses. “I will never forget the immense feeling of joy and jubilation we shared twenty years ago when the Timorese flag was finally raised in Dili, as the country regained its independence and became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century.”
Guterres said Timor-Leste was and remained an example of inspiration to the world.
He said the United Nations is proud of the role Horta has played and his contribution to the realization of the Timorese people’s dream of having freedom and self-determination.
“Today, you continue alongside Timor-Leste in its journey of consolidating democracy, deepening human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promoting the development and well-being of Timorese people,” said Guterres. “To the new President of Timor-Leste who takes office today, José Ramos-Horta, I extend my warm congratulations on behalf of the UN and a special and friendly personal greeting.”
Guterres emphasized that Horta can always count on the unequivocal support of the entire United Nations family and his commitment and solidarity – in the efforts to ensure prosperity, stability, and peace for the Timorese people: “Long live Timor-Leste!”