Dili, 21 May 2026 (Media Democracia) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, led the flag-raising ceremony for the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Timor-Leste’s Independence in Tasi Tolu, Dili. The ceremony was held to honor the Veterans of the National Liberation and the memory of the patriots.
President of RDTL José Ramos-Horta, in his speech, honored the Veterans of the National Liberation and the memory of the patriots.
“Honor to the Veterans of the National Liberation and to the memory of the patriots who have fallen, among them Francisco Xavier do Amaral and Nicolau dos Reis Lobato, before greeting Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as the Restorer of the Nation. The Head of State described Timor-Leste today as an oasis of peace, tranquility, security, and tolerance in a world marked by wars, energy crises, and natural disasters, comparing the stability the country enjoys internally with the rising global instability.” said President José Ramos-Horta, in Tasi Tolu (20/05/2026).
He further affirmed and pointed to real and measurable progress in human development life expectancy has risen from under 60 years in 2000 to 70 years today.
“The country has developed from having one university and 19 doctors at the time of Independence in 2002, to 20 universities, around 70,000 students, and 1,025 doctors in 2026. Malaria has been declared eliminated by the WHO in 2024, and the national road network has expanded to around 7,500 kilometers, with 95% of the main corridors paved to international standards.” He said.
The President highlighted two historic developments, Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN as the 11th Member State on 26 October 2025, and the upcoming ASEAN Presidency in 2029, “a big challenge, but also one that opens opportunities unimaginable a few years ago.” The President also announced that construction of the Women’s Student Residence, funded by the UAE and located near the Presidency, will begin with a foundation stone ceremony on Wednesday night, with completion expected in 2027.
In closing, with only one year left in his presidential term, José Ramos-Horta acknowledged persistent challenges poverty in rural areas, dependence on oil revenues, and gaps in universal health coverage. But he urged all Timorese, both at home and in the diaspora, to keep moving forward. “Timor-Leste isn’t just a country that has overcome historic challenges,” President Ramos-Horta said. “It is a Nation that continues, day by day, to build its future with courage, dignity, and shared hope.”
Reporting: Team MD
Photo: Team MD