Timor-leste’s Journey Shows Peace Possible Through Diplomacy, Reconciliation -- Ramos-horta

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (NNN) -- Timor-Leste’s experience in achieving independence and building peace shows that conflicts can be resolved when leaders choose diplomacy, reconciliation and respect for international law, said President José Ramos-Horta on Tuesday.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said Timor-Leste’s path from conflict to independence was made possible not only by its own leadership but also by regional and international solidarity, including efforts by the United Nations, ASEAN countries and other partners.

“When the international community works together, when there is intense activity by leaders who understand their role, then things can happen,” he said in his distinguished lecture titled “Navigating Turbulent Times, Pursuing Peace”.

The president said Timor-Leste’s independence process also reflected the importance of statesmanship, citing Indonesia’s decision to honour the outcome of the 1999 referendum and the later reconciliation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

Timor-Leste, formerly a Portuguese colony, came under Indonesian administration in 1975, followed by more than two decades of conflict and resistance.

In a United Nations-supervised referendum on Aug 30, 1999, the people of Timor-Leste voted in favour of independence, paving the way for a UN transitional administration before the country restored full independence on May 20, 2002.

He said the country had chosen not to demonise the Indonesian people or frame the conflict along religious lines, adding that reconciliation was possible because hatred was not used as a political tool.

He noted that his country had since worked to maintain peace and stability, with Indonesia also playing a constructive role in supporting stability along their shared border and backing Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.

Ramos-Horta expressed appreciation to Malaysia’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for helping to build ASEAN consensus on Timor-Leste’s admission as the regional grouping’s 11th member.

Timor-Leste officially became a member of ASEAN on Oct 26, 2025, marking the bloc’s first expansion in 26 years.

Touching on global affairs, Ramos-Horta warned that the erosion of international law, multilateral institutions and rules-based systems could lead to a world governed by coercion and force.

He said while the United Nations (UN) had its shortcomings, it remained an essential institution in responding to crises, including in Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and other conflict-affected areas.

Ramos-Horta also voiced concern that humanitarian needs remained severely underfunded while global weapons transactions continued to grow.

He said ASEAN remained an important example of regional progress, having emerged during a period of war and tension but later contributing to peace, prosperity, improved literacy, public health and development across Southeast Asia.

The lecture was held in conjunction with the book launch of The Rising Sun: Timor-Leste’s Journey to Peace and Development, a publication produced through trilateral research cooperation involving Malaysia, Australia and Timor-Leste.

Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni delivered the opening address at the book launch event held at a prominent hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) director-general Datuk Zainol Rahim Zainuddin and Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia Simon Fellows.

According to IDFR, the publication traces Timor-Leste’s transition from occupation and resistance to independence, reconciliation and nation-building, while documenting the role of local Timorese leaders, civil society and international partners, including Malaysia and Australia.

The programme, organised by IDFR, was attended by about 150 participants, including government officials, representatives of diplomatic missions, policymakers, experts, think tanks, industry players, academicians and media practitioners.

Ramos-Horta is in Malaysia for a five-day special visit and is scheduled to depart for Dili on Wednesday (June 17).

--NNN- BERNAMA