Today, I will travel to Timor-Leste to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the deployment of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in Dili.
INTERFET was an Australian-led multinational peacekeeping task force, authorised through a United Nations Security Council Resolution, to assist with restoring peace and security in Timor-Leste.
When the Timorese people took the courageous step of voting for independence in 1999 and asked the international community for help to secure their nation, Australia answered.
Led by General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) from 1999-2000, INTERFET remains Australia's largest peacekeeping mission to date, and at the time was our largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War.
Australia played a central role, contributing 5,500 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to INTERFET, alongside personnel from more than 20 contributing nations.
It is an honour to mark this significant milestone alongside General Cosgrove, and a number of Australian Defence Force veterans who are returning to Timor-Leste, very fittingly on the 77th anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping.
INTERFET continues to symbolise the importance of international partners working together in support of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.
Australia is proud to be Timor-Leste's largest development and security partner and we remain close friends.
