AVM Timor Leste team in Canberra to
Celebrate the country's ascension to ASEAN
It was a matter of pride for the AVM Timor Leste team to attend a special event to celebrate the ascension of Timor Leste to ASEAN. Warmly hosted by Ambassador Inês Almeida, the event was attended by several distinguished guests from a host of countries such as The Hon Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Hon Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery, Small Business and North Coast Mr Luke Gosling MP, Federal Member for Solomon; and Ms Dai Le MP, Federal Member for Fowler — together with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from our ASEAN family, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC, members of the Timorese community, and many friends of Timor-Leste.
The Ambassador of Timor-Leste delivered the statement of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, originally delivered in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, who said:
The celebration was filled with warmth, pride, and solidarity, enriched by Timorese traditional elements — tukir, batar dan, and modo fila — symbolising our cultural heritage and identity, while the Portuguese tarts, pudin, and beef rendang highlighted our rich history and the diverse cultural influences that shape Timor-Leste.
A proud and defining moment for all Timorese — the beginning of an inspiring new chapter within the ASEAN family. AVM Timor-Leste is proud to be part of this journey.
