DILI (TOP) - On May 20, 2026, Timor-Leste will celebrate the 24th anniversary of its independence from 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule and 24 years of Indonesian brutal rule.
Timor-Leste had been colonized by Portugal for 450 years, and Indonesia invaded the country on December 7, 1975, leading to a 24-year occupation that resulted in what is widely considered a genocide, killing an estimated 120,000 to 200,000 people—roughly a third of the population.
The campaign, which included mass killings, starvation, forced displacement, and torture until 1999, constitutes one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, atrocities of the 20th century. Estimates of deaths range from 120,000 up to 308,000, which represented a higher percentage of the population lost than in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge.
With this, President and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, received a Congratulatory Letter from U.S. President Donald J. Trump ahead of the May 20 Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence.
In the letter dated May 6, 2026, conveyed by the Embassy of the United States in Dili, President Trump commended Timor-Leste on the 24th anniversary of the restoration of its independence and its historic achievement of full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“As Timor-Leste marks the anniversary of its Restoration of Independence on May 20, I extend my congratulations to you and the people of Timor-Leste. We also congratulate Timor-Leste on achieving full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this past year – a historic milestone that reflects your nation’s growing role in the region. May your national celebrations be filled with joy,” stated President Donald J. Trump in his letter.
The partnership between the United States and Timor-Leste is reflected in their mutual dedication to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. President Trump values the progress the two nations have made through cooperation in defense, security, economic affairs, and beyond.
President Ramos-Horta offered heartfelt thank you to President Donald Trump and the American people, framing the letter as a tribute to the Timorese spirit of resilience.
“On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste who fought for and cherish our independence, I thank President Donald J. Trump for his warm congratulations letter.
His acknowledgment of our ASEAN membership is not just a recognition of our government’s efforts, but of every Timorese citizen who believed that our nation could take its rightful place among the family of nations.
The United States has stood with us through struggle and peace, and this message reaffirms that enduring friendship,” stated President J. Ramos-Horta.
For the people of Timor-Leste, this recognition arrives at a moment of profound national pride.
Having rebuilt the nation from the ashes of conflict, Timor-Leste now stands as a sovereign and respected member of the international community, with ASEAN membership representing a decades-long aspiration finally realized.
