Dili, 7th November 2020
Dear President-Elect Joe Biden,
Allow me to extend my warmest congratulations on your election as the 46th President of the United States.
In Timor-Leste we all rejoice with the rest of the world in celebrating the fact that America’s next President is a very compassionate honest man with unmatched experience in both Congress and Administration.
As a country with 98% practicing Catholics, we are very pleased that another devout Catholic is at the helms of the greatest power in the world.
Your decades-long commitment to fostering human rights and democracy, coupled with your intimate knowledge of international affairs, gained over many years of service to your great country, are assurances and deep relief to all that on January 20 there will be a true world leader in the White House.
I have referred to you, and the late Ted Kennedy, and many others like Tom Harkin, Jack Reed, as among our many steady friends and supporters of independence, including during our darkest and most challenging moments. Such support is never forgotten.
During my own Presidency I was very much heartened by your words of encouragement. I also had the honor of sharing an evening with your son Beau at a dinner hosted by the late Richard Holbrooke. As I sat next to Beau I remember telling him how he reminded me of Robert Kennedy and how you, Mr. President-elect, reminded me of John F Kennedy.
Know that the Timorese will always consider you a friend and will be honored to have the opportunity to establish warm, all-encompassing relations with your administration.
And I know that I speak for all of my fellow Nobel laureates in saying if there is any way we can support you, particularly in the healing and reconciliation that will be a difficult and vital part of the tasks before you, we are at your service.
Please also extend my sincere congratulations to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for her historic, groundbreaking election.
My warmest regards to the soon to be First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter and Ashley, and of course a handshake to Champ and Major.
With Sincerest Thanks and warmest Regards,
José Ramos-Horta
Former President, Timor-Leste (2007-2012)
1996 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate .
Robert F. Kennedy Boulevard, Areia Branca, Dili, Timor - Leste
Telefone +670 77 230 303
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http://ramoshorta.com
