Celebration of the 46th Anniversary of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
28 November 2021

Today, Timor-Leste celebrates forty-six (46) years of its independence, unilaterally proclaimed on the 28th of November 1975. It is a very important and special occasion in the history of the popular struggle for Timor-Leste’s sovereignty.
Timor-Leste managed to achieve its national liberation through a referendum with international support, organised by the United Nations in 1999. Under the UN

Ambassador Renata de Jesus.

Transitional Administration, after the Popular Consultation and on 20 May 2002, we proclaimed to the world the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence.
Since then, Timor-Leste has established diplomatic relations with all countries, including Lao PDR, becoming an active member of the international community of nations that connects us all. Today, we are a free and sovereign country and we continue to work hard for the development of the country and the well-being of the Timorese people.
During the recent period of nation building, Timor-Leste has faced several challenges. Our leaders continue to firmly seek solutions for the country’s development and the well-being of our citizens, in accordance with its National Strategic Plan.
The Government of Timor-Leste is also seriously committed to continue working together with the international community establishing multilateral and bilateral relations with our close partners and cooperating to maintain peace, prosperity and stability in the region and the world. Our country is also focused on other matters that contribute to the global wellbeing of the international community, such as climate change and the vaccination rollout to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Timor-Leste has been committed to joining ASEAN since the submission of its candidacy in 2011. To date, we have been working hard and have made great efforts and smooth preparations to meet each pillar of ASEAN. We deeply appreciate the support of all ASEAN member countries in helping us to become a full member of ASEAN. We would like to present our profound and special thanks to the Government of Laos for its continued support for Timor-Leste’s membership aspirations as a member of ASEAN.
Timor-Leste and Laos have stablished diplomatic relations since July 2002, following Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence. In 2014, Timor-Leste’s Embassy was established in Vientiane with the objective of developing the ties of friendship between both countries. To date, Timor-Leste and the Lao PDR have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations through the regular exchange of high-level visits and at the level of senior officials’ meetings. Timor-Leste and Lao PDR agreed to elevate bilateral relations by expanding the current co-operation and exploring untapped potential in various strategic fields identified by both countries.
On this important day, celebrating the 46th anniversary of our Independence; I hereby thank and honor the memory of all the heroes of our nation, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation and independence of Timor-Leste. With the sacrifices of our ancestors in our mind, there are still important challenges to overcome. The people of Timor-Leste will continue to work towards reinforcing our unity and maintaining good governance to ensure a brighter future for our people. We have already liberated our homeland, and now we have to free our people from poverty and protect the wellbeing of all citizens.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update November 29, 2021)