A Milestone For Timor Leste And Antonio Guterres

Timor Leste Grants Citizenship to António Guterres on 25th Anniversary of Referendum

A Milestone for Timor-Leste and António Guterres

Timor-Leste Honors Former UN Secretary-General

On the 25th anniversary of the historic referendum that led to Timor-Leste's independence, the nation bestowed its highest honor upon former United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, granting him Timorese citizenship.

The decision was announced by President José Ramos-Horta during a ceremony in Dili, the country's capital. Guterres was recognized for his unwavering support and contributions to Timor-Leste's struggle for independence and subsequent nation-building efforts.

Recognition of Guterres' Role

• Guterres played a pivotal role in the United Nations' peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste (UNAMET) from 1999 to 2002, which helped establish peace and stability after decades of conflict.
• He advocated for Timor-Leste's self-determination and sovereignty, working closely with Timorese leaders to facilitate the referendum.
• Guterres continued to support Timor-Leste as Prime Minister of Portugal and later as UN Secretary-General, providing assistance in areas such as economic development, education, and healthcare.

Gratitude and Appreciation

President Ramos-Horta expressed Timor-Leste's deep gratitude for Guterres' contributions, saying, "António Guterres has been a true friend to Timor-Leste and a tireless advocate for our people. We are honored to grant him citizenship as a symbol of our appreciation and recognition."

Guterres accepted the citizenship with humility, saying, "I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. Timor-Leste is a country that holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to continuing to support its progress and development."

A Symbol of Friendship and Cooperation

The granting of citizenship to Guterres is seen as a symbol of the strong friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and the international community, particularly the United Nations.

It also serves as a reminder of the importance of international solidarity and support in the pursuit of peace, democracy, and sustainable development.

According to a recent survey by the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste, 95% of Timorese people view Guterres as a positive figure who played a crucial role in their nation's history.