Timor-Leste and New Zealand Discuss Concept and Development of the Future INTERFET Memorial
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, met on September 22nd, 2026, in Dili with the Ambassador of New Zealand to Timor-Leste, Helen Tunnah, to present the concept currently under development for the future International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Memorial and to gather contributions, ideas, and observations from New Zealand for the project.
Representatives of the Presidency of the Republic and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers attended, and the meeting formed part of the ongoing consultation process with representatives of the main countries that comprised INTERFET.
During the meeting, the overall concept and key components for the space were presented. The space will be developed in the area of the former INTERFET helipad, adjacent to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili.
Minister Agio Pereira explained that “the goal is for this not to be a place of mourning, but a place of pride and remembrance”, through the creation of “a living space that preserves and tells the story of INTERFET, while also being educational and cultural, a point of interest for Timorese people and for those visiting Timor-Leste”.
“A space that commemorates the international contribution to restoring peace and security in Timor-Leste and conveys to future generations the values of solidarity, international cooperation, and peace associated with the mission,” he added.
Ambassador Helen Tunnah expressed New Zealand’s willingness to support the collection of artefacts and other elements related to the country’s participation in INTERFET, and to contribute to the development of the memorial concept through technical support.
The project envisions an integrated space of memory, education, and culture dedicated to the history of INTERFET and the international contribution to restoring peace and security in Timor-Leste. The concept also seeks to ensure that the memorial has an educational and historical dimension and serves as a site of interest for national and international visitors.
During the meeting, the proposed approach to developing the historical and exhibition content was also discussed. It should draw on contributions from INTERFET participating countries, veterans, and other relevant entities to ensure a comprehensive and accurate representation of the mission and its legacy.
The site designated for the project was officially marked on September 14th, 2024, during the commemorations of INTERFET's 25th anniversary, with a blessing ceremony held at the former helipad used by the mission.
The Government will continue the consultation and project development process, in coordination with the Presidency of the Republic and with the countries and entities associated with INTERFET.
