Timor-Leste celebrates 24th Anniversary of Restoration of Independence

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]Yesterday tima marked 24 years since the restoration of independence honoring the day with official ceremonies and celebration. President Zeramorta addressed the nation during the official ceremony acknowledging the young country's accomplishments and the challenges ahead.

[00:00:23]>> A military parade celebrating 24 years of independence.

[00:00:29]The president chose to pay his highest respect directly to the rightful owners of the country's sovereignty, its people, before proceeding to salute the troops.

[00:00:46]>> The flag was flown as citizens sang Timas's anthem with national pride on display.

[00:00:57]Congratulations to all the people of Tumorstee on celebrating 24 years of independence. I hope the government can ensure stability and peace so that the process of building and liberating the people can continue. I ask leaders to respect this historic day. Don't be angry with each other.

[00:01:17]>> This country has become a teenager. So I want things to go better and today is a special day and I hope they will listen to our voices.

[00:01:27]>> Veteran Arnaldo Simenez never misses the important occasion.

[00:01:33]I used to be a soldier and we marched here but now I'm disabled and in a wheelchair but every May 20th I have to come and participate.

[00:01:45]While the younger generation cherishes their involvement, eager to continue the mission of their predecessors.

[00:01:54]>> During training, we were punished, slept, but we felt very happy the flag could be raised well. 24 years into Timorsta's journey, President Ramorta expressed pride in the country's multilateralism, international relations. Um, we brought the country out of isolation, reestablished the strategic connection, carried out our flag to vital partners in ASEAN, CPF, the Pacific Island Forum, the G7 group, United Nations, reaching nations from Australia, China, United States to India. In terms of international participation, we are making our presence felt in a significant way. But we also have to recognize that there are still many challenges ahead.

[00:02:47]>> Despite a tragic and traumatic history, Timor Leester's rapid commitment to reconciliation has become a model in the region >> and very happy to see Timour in this situation. I also work in this field of peace and conflict and justice and right now I'm working a lot in Myanmar in Burma where the situation is terrible and it's like Teemo was in the 1980s.

[00:03:16]So Teemo is an example for Burma and other countries that if we keep working on human rights, we keep working on justice, we can achieve democracy. Looking forward, the president confirmed the nation's direction and dedication to onshore resource processing and the significant and yet still un underexploited economic potential.

[00:03:44]The deepening of this cooperation will generate benefits for our peoples particularly those at the border area with entity.

[00:03:56]The more or less Indonesia relations have recorded steady progress in strategic areas with advances in maritime and land border negotiations, trade and investment, education, technical training.

[00:04:11]>> With peace as its foundation, he says economic transformation is the more next challenge. Our young nation has achieved a lot in its 24 years of independence and continues to achieve above expectation on the global stage. While many challenges remain, May 20 marks a day of reflection, recognition, and national celebration.

[00:04:37]RTPL all