António Guterres expresses his solidarity with the memory and future of Timor Leste

He Secretary General The UN arrived in Timor Leste on Wednesday, where he said the aim of his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with both memory and the future from that country.

“The United Nations and the Timorese people were together at the time when the country took control of the building your destiny. The UN will continue to support the aspirations of the Timorese people on the road ahead,” António Guterres said at the Presidential Palace in Dili, the capital of Timor Leste.

The world has much to learn from Timor Leste

In a meeting with the press, Guterres expressed confidence that the country will make its voice heard at the Future Summit, which will take place at the UN headquarters in New York in September, “since the world has Much to learn from Timor Leste”.

Referring to the anniversary of the popular consultation organized by the UN that culminated in the country’s independence, he said that it is time for call for unity and celebration of the collective past.

For Guterres, Timor Leste is an example for having become a nation that lives in peace and harmony with its neighbors.

He also praised the country for being a “consolidated democracy”, dedicated to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Battle of development

“Timor Leste won the battle for independence, Timor Leste won the battle for democracy, Timor Leste is an exemplary country in terms of human rights, but also has to win the battle for development“, he pointed out.

The Secretary General reaffirmed the UN’s willingness to help the country win the battle in food security, education, health and infrastructure.

Guterres praised East Timorese President José Ramos Horta for having persisted, even in the most difficult circumstances, “with the confidence that, in the end, the independence of Timor Leste would be a reality.”

The new generations must know the history

The UN chief recalled that the thousands of young people he saw on the streets when he arrived in Dili did not experience the “heroic struggle of resistance” before the decision that led to the referendum, adding that it is It is important that these new generations know about this struggle and do not forget it.

Guterres and Ramos Horta agreed to act together on the crisis in Myanmar and other peace and security issues.

The Secretary-General also expressed his gratitude for the “warm welcome and wonderful hospitality” with which he was received in Timor-Leste, from the airport, where there was traditional music and military honours, to the streets, where thousands of children carried UN and Timor-Leste flags on their way to the Presidential Palace.