Defence Forces of Timor-Leste celebrate their 16th anniversary
The Falintil – Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) celebrated their 16th anniversary at the F-FDTL Headquarters, in Fatuhada, Dili, on February 2nd, 2017.
The President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, welcomed the soldiers and civilians who, every day, with dedication and commitment, work in the F-FDTL serving the nation.
At the anniversary ceremony he said “This is my last speech as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. I address those serving this military establishment, because I myself am proud to serve it and dedicate myself to it. It is a great honour and privilege for me to participate in this ceremony, which has a great significance for all Timorese”.
The Head of State stressed that recent years have been years of consolidating democracy: “I want to show my appreciation for the F-FDTL, who obey the political decisions with tranquillity and demonstrate a high level of professionalism, democratic maturity, institutional respect and sense of service to Timor-Leste. I will continue to give you my attention in all matters that relate to the military and I continue to be in solidarity with the military family, to which I belong.”
The General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major-General Lere Anan Timor, stated that the celebration marked a new page in the history and development of the Defence Forces.
The F-FDTL were created in 2001, in order to fulfil the Order and the Constitution. It is a disciplined force, trained and ready to perform their duties, well structured, always available, rational and appropriate to the needs of the nation, with a sustainable budget, in order to be able to carry out missions of defence and surveillance, control of the national territory and the maritime area.
In the context of the anniversary celebration, the President of the Republic conferred the Medal of Merit of Timor-Leste to the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major-General Lere Anan Timor, who he said had “devoted his entire life to the homeland” and “should be an inspiration for the generations to come.”
The Prime Minister, Rui Maria de Araújo, members of the Government, of the National Parliament, of the Diplomatic Corps and of the components of the Defence Forces of Timor-Leste took part in this ceremony.
