Government of Timor-Leste

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom held from April 11^th to 14^th, 2024, before leaving for Athens, Greece, where he will take part in the ninth edition of the "Our Ocean" Conference from April 15^th to 17^th. Later, before returning to Timor-Leste, the Head of Government will attend the opening of the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale in Italy.

During his stay in the UK, the Prime Minister met with members of the Timorese community emigrating to the UK, visited the future facilities of the Timor-Leste Embassy and took part in the launch of the podcast "The Citizen's Connection", an initiative of the Timorese embassy aimed at promoting the sharing of information between Timorese citizens in that territory. Xanana Gusmão also met with the former Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General in Timor-Leste in 1999, Ian Martin.

From April 15^th to 17^th, 2024, the Prime Minister will be in Greece to take part in the ninth edition of the "Our Ocean" Conference, taking place in Athens under the theme "An Ocean of Potential". This conference aims to address six strategic areas, including promoting marine protected areas, fostering a sustainable blue economy, combating the climate crisis, supporting maritime security, promoting sustainable fishing and fighting marine pollution.

Xanana Gusmão's participation in this international event reinforces Timor-Leste's commitment to preserving and sustaining the oceans. It provides a platform for the country to contribute to global solutions related to marine challenges actively.

It is worth noting that on April 16^th, the Prime Minister will address the High-Level Segment, where he will meet with other Heads of State and Government in an essential dialogue on maritime issues and the actions needed to face present and future challenges.

Before returning to Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmão will travel to Italy, where he will attend the opening of the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale. This prestigious international event will be even more important to Timor-Leste this year as it will feature, for the first time, the participation of a Timorese artist, Maria Madeira. The Venice Biennale will run until November 24^th, 2024.