21 June 2013

Media release - Government House

President of Timor-Leste to visit New Zealand

The President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, HE Taur Matan Ruak, will make a State Visit to New Zealand next week.

Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, said the visit underpinned the strong links and friendship between Timor-Leste and New Zealand.

“Thousands of New Zealanders in the New Zealand Defence Force, the New Zealand Police and other government agencies have served in Timor-Leste since the 1999 referendum where its people voted overwhelmingly for independence. New Zealand has been proud to stand alongside the people of Timor-Leste as they have built their nation, and this has established an enduring relationship that is based on genuine warmth and friendship.”

The visit to New Zealand by President Ruak follows the Governor-General’s visit to Timor-Leste in May 2012 to mark the 10th anniversary of the restoration of the nation’s independence in 2002.

The State Visit will take place in Wellington and begins on Tuesday 25 June and concludes on Thursday 27 June. President Ruak will be accompanied by First Lady, Isabel da Costa Ferreira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, HE Dr José Luís Guterres, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to New Zealand, HE Abel Guterres, and other officials.

As part of his visit, President Ruak will receive a State Welcome at Government House in Wellington at 2pm on Tuesday 25 June, followed by a State Dinner that evening. The President will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

ENDS

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