The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will visit Timor-Leste on 30 August 2024 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation independence referendum.
Australia and Timor-Leste are close partners and friends with a shared history and deep people-to-people connections.
While in Timor-Leste, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister of Defence Rear Admiral Donaciano da Costa Gomes 'Pedro Klamar Fuik', Ph.D.
The leaders will discuss Australia and Timor-Leste's shared priorities for our broad security and development partnership.
The Deputy Prime Minister will represent Australia at the official commemorative events marking 25 years since the people of Timor-Leste voted for the restoration of independence.
He will also meet with Australian Federal Police veterans who supported the Popular Consultation as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission to East Timor (UNAMET).
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"I am honoured to be visiting Timor-Leste for the 25th anniversary of the referendum that led to the restoration of this vibrant democracy's independence.
"Australia recognises and commemorates the courage of the Timorese people, who fought for many years to restore their independence.
"Australia and Timor-Leste have a strong relationship based on our shared history and enduring connections between our people. I look forward to holding talks with key Timorese leaders and further strengthening our partnership."
