Exclusive: Interview with President José Ramos-Horta

This year, Timor Leste and Australia celebrate 25 years of friendship, embedded in people to people connections. This milestone was recognised at a two day conference in Dili, Timor Leste, which highlighted the importance of these partnerships in diplomacy. President José Ramos Horta inaugurated the event, and recognised the 32 formal friendship groups that exist between communities of Timor Leste and Australia. President Horta spoke to the importance of genuine bonds that create lasting foundations, beyond official political channels.  This year also marks the 15 year anniversary of ‘Friends of Soibada,’ a friendship group existing between a Sydney community and the village of Soibada in Manatuto. As a member of this organisation I was able to examine the intricate results of such people to people connections first hand. In my recent visit to Soibada, I was able to conclude that the value of friendship balances equally with financial and political connections, if not outweighs them, in the collaboration of our two countries. As a not for profit charity focused on sustainable development, connections and friendships are essential to the effective operations of our projects. Patron of Friends of Soibada, President José Ramos Horta, spent his childhood years growing up in Soibada. President Horta recognised the collaboration Australia and Timor Leste have had, in the past through wartime cooperation, and in recent years, evident in the 

joint efforts for the Pope's visit. In discussing the future of Timor Leste, President Horta spoke to the common admiration of youth to want to live in Australia or the United States, admitting that he himself had wished for both. Friendship organisations aim to equip the youth of Timor Leste with the skills and education to remain in their country, and be a part of its growth. President Horta aims to increase education through initiatives such as the Kria Futuru program, which opens the Presidential Palace doors to children to educate them on Timor Lestes culture and increase engagement within the community.  Timor Leste is continuing to thrive and grow each year, and a small portion of this can be attributed to the friendship groups that have partnered Australian and Timorese communities. The leadership in Timor Leste, notably President José Ramos Horta, has guided the nation through profound struggle, continually working to rebuild and strengthen a country that consistently proves its resilience.