DILI - This morning, as in previous years, Australians, New Zealanders, and Timorese, joined by Ambassadors and UN, friends of various nationalities, honoured those who fought and died in Galippoli, Turkey, and in many other wars. As always, a very moving ceremony, that starts at dawn 6AM TL Time. I was honoured to attend..
Speech
J. Ramos-Horta
President of Timor-Leste
on the ANZAC Day 2026 Commemorations
Dili, 25 April 2026
We gather to honour the memory, courage and sacrifice of all those who served under the banner of the ANZAC spirit.
ANZAC Day reminds us of the courage demonstrated on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, yet it transcends that historical episode. It has become an enduring symbol of service, sacrifice and national identity for the peoples of Australia and New Zealand — a legacy forged in peace.
During the Second World War, Australian soldiers fought on Timorese soil, side by side with Timorese, in a defining chapter of our shared history.
Many Timorese paid with their lives for that support, in a testament of solidarity that remains alive in the collective memory of our peoples.
Decades later, from 1999 onwards, we once again witnessed that same spirit of solidarity, when military and police forces from Australia and New Zealand were present in Timor-Leste, contributing decisively to the restoration of peace, stability and the independence of our nation.
We recall, with deep gratitude, the role played by international missions — UNAMET, INTERFET, UNTAET, UNMISET, UNOTIL, UNMIT and ISF — as well as across all generations of defence and security cooperation programmes.
These missions ensured the safety of our people in critical moments and helped to build the institutional foundations of our country.
Tens of thousands of military personnel and police officers have served in Timor-Leste over the years.
To all of them, we express once again the gratitude of a people who do not forget.
In this spirit of gratitude and enduring friendship, I recently had the honour of addressing a letter inviting His Excellency the Prime Minister of Australia, or His Excellency the Governor-General, to attend the ANZAC Day commemorations in Timor-Leste next year, in 2027.
This will be an opportunity to further deepen the historical and human ties that unite our countries and to project Timor-Leste as a place of memory and of future.
The ANZAC spirit — forged in courage, comradeship and resilience — finds a deep resonance in the history of the Timorese people. We too know the value of sacrifice, resistance and hope.
Today, as we remember all those who have served — past and present — we renew our commitment to peace, cooperation and solidarity among nations.
May the memory of those who have fallen continue to inspire us.
May their legacy guide us in building a more just and humane world.
Ka maumahara tonu tatou.
Lest we forget.
Thank you.
