José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Laureate, has arrived in Australia for a week-long national speaking tour.

President Ramos-Horta is a guest of the Australia Institute for two key public events. The Australia Institute is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

President Ramos-Horta’s visit will focus on the importance of geopolitical issues and the need for respectful, genuine partnerships in international relations and in the Asia-Pacific region.

Public Events:

Sydney 

• The Sydney Opera House with the Hon. Bob Carr and Janelle Saffin MP on Tuesday 8th October.

Canberra 

• The National Press Club on Wednesday 9th October.

“Timor-Leste is one of Australia’s closest neighbours. The futures of our respective countries are intertwined, and the Timorese fight for independence is instructive for everyone concerned with peace, stability and prosperity in our region,” said President José Ramos-Horta.

“Timor-Leste had to build a democratic state from scratch, maintaining peace and strong relationships with neighbours. On the 25th anniversary of our historic vote for independence, we reflected on our journey to restore our independence and of course we celebrated our freedom with our many friends including the United Nations Secretary General H.E. António Guterres.

“Independence and democracy can be fragile, and both need continual promotion and protection.

“‘Security’ and ‘safety’ require us all to thrive and flourish together and are more than military hardware and trade.

“The health and wellbeing of all people in the Asia-Pacific is the quickest path to harmony, peace and prosperity in our region.

“To achieve true security against the threats of climate change, food insecurity and rising inequality, nations in the Asia-Pacific need to be respected as partners marked by strong personal and political relationships.”

“The Australia Institute is honoured to be hosting the President of Timor-Leste as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations,” said Dr Richard Denniss, Executive Director of the Australia Institute.

“President Ramos-Horta is an international statesman and one of the region’s leading voices on peace and stability, and on the importance of strong diplomatic and community ties.”

Biography of President José Ramos-Horta:

José Ramos-Horta is the President of Timor-Leste and a Nobel Peace Laureate. He has dedicated his life to fighting for Timorese freedom from oppression.

President Ramos-Horta served as the exiled spokesman for the East Timorese resistance during the years of the Indonesian occupation (1975 to 1999). In 1996, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy of human rights and self-determination for the Timorese people.

After the 1999 referendum in which the people of East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia, Ramos-Horta returned to his homeland for the first time in 24 years. He served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, and in 2007 was elected President of the Republic.

In 2022, José Ramos-Horta was elected President of Timor-Leste for a second term. He continues to provide national and global leadership and remains a dedicated advocate for the Timorese people.