State luncheon in Timor-Leste

Your Excellency Taur Matan Ruak, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste; Your Excellency Fernando La Sama de Araujo, President of the Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste; and Your Excellency Tony Fautua, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste: Boa tarde, hau sente laran haksolok tebes bele mai iha ne’e.

Kia ora e hoa - good health my friend - and thank you for inviting me here and for hosting this state luncheon.  It is both an honour and my privilege to speak to this distinguished gathering. 

First, let me say thank you to Your Excellency and the people of Timor-Leste – Timor Lorosa’e - for the warm welcome they have given me and my party.

Your Excellency I congratulate you on your election as your country’s third president.  Your Excellency’s appointment through a peaceful, open and democratic election and the smooth transfer of power we all witnessed yesterday, speaks of the tremendous progress your nation has made in creating peace and stability and building a commitment to democracy.

Today we join with you in marking the 10th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Timor-Leste on 20 May 2002. 

The path to that momentous day was long and difficult.  For 24 years, you and your brothers and sisters held a torch for and fought for independence.  In 1999 the people of Timor-Leste voted overwhelmingly for independence after a tragic history of colonisation, occupation and oppression.

The people of Timor Leste have resolutely held firm to that quest despite the tragic violence that occurred before and after that poll.  And whereas others foresaw only chaos in the years ahead, your people have held firm and fast to their vision for a future that was both independent and prosperous.

Ten years ago Timor-Leste reasserted its independence and joined the international community of nations.  It was naturally a time of celebration as a new nation - the first of the 21st century - was born. 

And yet as every farmer knows, when growing a tree, planting the seed is only the beginning.  If it is to grow into a strong tree that bears fruit for years to come it must be watered, nourished and supported.

After ten years and despite the many difficulties you have faced, Timor-Leste has established firm roots in the ground. 

New Zealand is proud of the assistance it has been able to offer the people of Timor-Leste in building an environment where peace and stability are the norm.

New Zealand military and police personnel have been a part of both international security operations and every United Nations mission deployed here.  

The Kiwi badge is worn with pride on the arms of the servicemen and women who serve with the International Stabilisation Force, of our defence advisers to the Timor-Leste Armed Forces, and the Police officers within the UN Mission.  

Other New Zealanders, including those in our embassy, have worked alongside Timorese colleagues in the building of customs, prisons, education, and justice systems as well as working in non-governmental organisations.  Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet at the New Zealand Embassy some of the Kiwis living and working here.  They are optimistic about your future.  

Your Excellency, as Timor-Leste today celebrates its first 10 years of independence it is also a time to look forward.  With the end of the United Nations mandate at the end of this year, and the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission and ANZAC ISF troops, Timor-Leste enters a new and exciting time in its history.

Maintaining peace and stability will continue to be important, and the community policing agreement to be signed between our two governments later today, speaks of the commitment of the New Zealand and Timor-Leste governments to that end.

In the long-term, however, it will only be through tackling the challenges of education and training, business development and trade that the fruits of your hard fought independence will be delivered.

These will be important challenges to address.  However, when seen against the backdrop of all that you have fought for and all that you have achieved, they are challenges I am sure you will be able to meet.

New Zealand has stood by Timor-Leste’s side, both morally and practically for many years.  Since the 1999 referendum we have sent our men and women to serve here alongside you.  It is sad that some of our soldiers did not return home.

However, all of this has established a strong relationship between our two nations and our peoples that is based on genuine warmth and friendship.  That friendship has been strengthened by the many high level visits to each other’s country, including a visit by your predecessor Dr José Ramos-Horta to New Zealand in 2009 and my predecessor Sir Anand Satyanand’s visit here in 2010.  Your Prime Minister was in New Zealand last year, and I hope it is possible for you to visit New Zealand again in your new capacity. 

Your Excellency, as you look forward to the next 10 years of independence, New Zealand remains committed to supporting and assisting Timor-Leste and your people as you face the challenges and opportunities ahead.  Thank you.