The UN chief was received at the airport by Timorese President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão with a musical tribute and full military honours.
Public welcome
Thousands of people lined the streets of the capital Dili as children greeted Mr Guterres with the flags of the UN and East Timor.
He said his visit to the presidential palace was an expression of solidarity.
“The United Nations and the Timorese people stood side by side at a time when the country took the shaping of its destiny into its own handsThe . United Nations will continue to support the aspirations of the Timorese people on the journey ahead.”
At a press conference, Mr Guterres said said Asian nation will make its voice heard on the Top of the futurewhich will be held at the UN headquarters in September, “because the world can learn a lot from East Timor,” he said.
The development struggle continues
Referring to the UN-sponsored referendum that led to the country’s independence, he said today’s historic milestone was a “call for unity and celebration of the collective past”.
Mr Guterres described East Timor as an example of how a country can develop in peace. The country emerged from armed conflict in 2002 and can now live in harmony with its neighbours.
He praised the country for being a “consolidated democracy” committed to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Historical anchor of support
The UN played a crucial role before and after independence. In 1992, a transitional government was established in the area then called East Timor. The country was prepared for self-rule. Ten years later, this was achieved after the former rulers Indonesia and Portugal agreed to hold a referendum by the East Timorese.
As an independent nation, East Timor joined the UN and a new mission was created to support the country’s development, introducing a new framework for four years starting in 2015.
The UN has more than 20 local and non-local agencies that assist the country, allowing the organization to play a role in policy development and advocacy at all levels.
UN Photo/Kiara Worth
Secretary-General arrives in East Timor to attend 25th anniversary of referendum.
Struggle for development
“Timor-Leste won the fight for independence, Timor-Leste won the fight for democracy, Timor-Leste is an exemplary country in terms of human rights, but it must also win the battle for development“, he said.
He added that the UN would continue to work with East Timor to help the country win the fight for food security, education, universal health care and improved infrastructure.
Dialogue on Myanmar
He praised President Ramos-Horta for persevering in the past, even under the most difficult circumstances:with the belief that East Timor’s independence would eventually become a reality“.
Mr Guterres noted that the thousands of young people he saw on the streets of the capital had not experienced the “heroic struggle of resistance” that made possible the referendum that paved the way for independence.
Never forget
He said it is vital that they and future generations do not forget this struggle.
The two leaders pledged to launch dialogue and cooperation on the crisis in Myanmar triggered by the 2021 military coup and subsequent brutal crackdown, and to address other peace and security issues of mutual interest.
The Secretary-General also expressed his “enormous gratitude for the warm welcome and great hospitality” with which he was received in East Timor.
