Government of Timor-Leste

On June 1^st and 2^nd, 2026, the Government, through the Ministry of National Liberation Combatants’ Affairs, continued the Programme for the Validation of Records of the External/Diplomatic Front of the National Liberation Struggle of Timor-Leste. This initiative aims to recognise, document, and honour the significant contribution of the diplomatic front to the resistance against Indonesian occupation, preserving historical memory and highlighting the efforts of Timorese who acted on the international stage in support of independence. 

Throughout the sessions, testimonies, documents, and records relating to the participation of members of the external/diplomatic front during the resistance period were analysed. The project aims to consolidate historical information and contribute to the creation of an accurate record of the citizens who carried out diplomatic representation, advocacy, and mobilisation efforts in support of Timor-Leste’s self-determination and independence.

During the national liberation struggle, the diplomatic front played a key role in advocating for the Timorese cause before the United Nations, foreign governments, and international organisations. Its efforts helped keep the situation in Timor-Leste on the international agenda and strengthened political and diplomatic support for the Timorese people’s right to self-determination.

Among those attending the sessions were the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira; the Minister of National Liberation Combatants’ Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru”; the Secretary of State for Veterans, César dos Santos da Silva; former Prime Ministers Mari Bim Amude Alkatiri and Estanislau A. da Silva; the Ambassadors of Timor-Leste to Australia, Inês Almeida, and to Brunei Darussalam, Abel Guterres; the Chairman of the Administration of the Council of National Liberation Fighters, Vidal de Jesus “Riak Leman”; former Minister Roque Rodrigues; and Ambassador Pascoela Barreto.