Dili, January 10, 2026 (Média Democracia) – The President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, received the diplomatic Letters of Credence from His Excellency Yamamoto Yasushi, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Timor-Leste. The credential presentation ceremony was held at the Nicolao Lobato Presidential Palace.
In the press release, the President stated that Ambassador Yamamoto is a senior diplomat with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A graduate of the University of Tokyo and Harvard University, he has held various high-level positions in Asia and Europe, including senior postings at Japanese embassies in China and South Korea, and serving as Minister at the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. His extensive regional diplomatic experience also includes director-level roles at the Cabinet Secretariat on abduction issues, the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, and a period at the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat in Seoul. His most recent post was as Ambassador to the European Union, demonstrating deep expertise in both bilateral and multilateral affairs, prior to his appointment as Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Timor-Leste.
“I warmly welcome Ambassador Yamamoto Yasushi to Timor-Leste. Japan’s enduring friendship and support since our independence have been fundamental to our national journey. I am confident that under Ambassador Yamamoto’s leadership, our cooperation will deepen further, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, renewable energy, and private investment, building on the momentum of recent high-level engagements and our shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous region,” said President José Ramos-Horta.
The President noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002, Timor-Leste and Japan have built a strong partnership based on mutual respect and shared values as maritime nations with histories of resilience. Japan has become a key partner in Timor-Leste’s development, providing assistance in infrastructure, health, education, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection, among other areas, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), international organizations, and Japanese and Timorese non-governmental organizations.
“Through high-level visits by the Prime Minister in December 2023 and the President of the Republic in August 2025, bilateral relations were elevated to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership.’ Development cooperation has advanced significantly, marked by the construction of new hospital wards and 20 maternity centers, plans for a future airport terminal, and the completion of 155 rural infrastructure projects over the past three years,” the President stated in the press release.
The President further emphasized that several important initiatives have also expanded, including fresh vegetable cultivation programs and major Japanese investments in road construction and solar energy. In addition, people-to-people exchanges through internship programs, academic exchanges, and youth visits continue to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
President José Ramos-Horta expressed full confidence that Ambassador Yamamoto Yasushi’s mandate will further enhance and strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Japan.
Reporting: Nelfiano
Photo: Presidential Media