Solemn Opening Session of the Second Legislative Session of the Sixth Legislature of the National Parliament
Today, September 16th, 2024, the Solemn Opening Session of the Second Legislative Session of the Sixth Legislature of the National Parliament took place. The ceremony was attended by the heads of State and Government, the President of the National Parliament, other members of the National Parliament, representatives of the Government, the Court of Appeal and the diplomatic corps. 
The President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, began her speech with “words of deep gratitude” and congratulations “for the exemplary welcome given to our new compatriot, Engineer António Guterres, Secretary General of the UN” and “for the magnificent organisation of the visit by His Holiness Pope Francis”. 
He also addressed “a special word” to “our young people, whose strength and energy, combined with the wisdom of our elders, have not only exceeded our expectations but have redefined what is possible. Our young dream-bearers and architects of tomorrow have proved that when generations unite, there is no limit to the extraordinary we can achieve.”
These visits, she emphasised, “demonstrate not only our ability to welcome the highest international figures with dignity but also the respect that Timor-Leste has already earned on the international stage. A testimony to the progress we have made as a nation and the recognition we have gained internationally”.
Maria Fernanda Lay called on parliamentarians to be united and determined to face the challenges that “require swift action and sure steps”. She emphasised that Parliament's mission “transcends personal interests or fleeting political victories” and is “a significant and lasting contribution to Timor-Leste's development”. The President emphasised that “only with genuine collaboration between all the organs of sovereignty can we achieve results that serve our nation”. 
The President of the National Parliament also highlighted two major reform processes underway promoted by the Government, in “the justice sector and public finances”, which “will require the utmost commitment” from all MPs, bearing in mind that “these changes are fundamental if we are to build a fairer, more prosperous and efficient Timor-Leste”.
In his speech, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, emphasised the importance of the year 2024 for Timor-Leste, “marked by a series of major events” and the maintenance of “peace, security and tranquillity” on the domestic front. He also emphasised “a greater flow of commercial activities and great interest from important investors”.
The Head of State dedicated “very special appreciation” “to the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão” for his “tireless leadership” and “permanent presence”, recognising the “great success of the apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis”, the result of the “excellent work of the inter-ministerial team and the active partnership with the Nunciature, the Catholic Church and Timorese civil society”.
Concluding his speech, the President of the Republic reaffirmed his “commitment to continue working with the Government, the National Parliament and the Organs of Administration of Justice to respond to the aspirations of the Timorese”, emphasising that “the future of Timor-Leste depends on our collective commitment to promote policies that guarantee inclusive, sustainable development and that reflect the values that define us as a nation”.
