Today, Territorians are encouraged to pause and remember the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) members involved in a multinational peacekeeping response that took place 25 years ago.
In 1999, East Timor experienced a humanitarian and security crisis, and Australia mobilised to establish The International Force East Timor (INTERFET).
Several United Nations-led missions assisted INTERFET in helping East Timor achieve its independence, and to establish itself as a democratic nation.
Australia's deployment of troops to East Timor in 1999 was the largest since the Vietnam War, and the ADF had members in East Timor - now Timor-Leste - until 2013.
Minister for Veterans Jinson Charls said, "The Northern Territory and Timor-Leste maintains a close relationship based on economic, strategic and cultural ties."
"In 1999, Australia led an international response, and the deployment of ADF and AFP personnel changed the lives of Timorese people.
"Today we remember and thank those involved in the multi-national effort, which established the nation's independence and democracy."
A commemoration service will be held at the Darwin Cenotaph on the Esplanade at 6pm this evening. The community is welcome to attend.
A dinner for East Timor ADF and AFP veterans will follow the service.
