The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Díli, March 22, 2012
Prime Minister delivers keynote speech at Jakarta International Defense Dialogue
In Jakarta, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão,
has delivered a keynote address at the second Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) on the topic “Military Operations Other Than War: Regional and National Perspectives”. Some 1,500 participants from 37 countries are attending the 2012 JIDD. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon and the President of the Republic of Indonesia His Excellency Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono spoke at the opening ceremony.
In his speech Prime Minister Gusmão noted that in Timor-Leste:
“We are seeking ways to be more active in our region and in the world. After overcoming the conflicts in which we lived for over a quarter of a century, including our own internal quarrels, we now want to share our reconciliation experience and to focus our efforts on a more humanist ideal of political and social tolerance to bring dignity and development to everyone.”
He concluded:
“Peace or hope for peace, in my view, can only begin where and when there is an end to intolerance.
Promoting peace and reducing poverty in countries that are poor and affected by conflict is therefore the best way to prevent war and to promote world peace.”
Referring to Prime Minister Gusmão the Indonesian President in his address:
“We are also honored by the presence of my good friend Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who also kindly attended last year’s JIDD. I have always appreciated the opportunity to work closely with him over the years.
Indeed, the relations between Indonesia and Timor-Leste offer some useful lessons for peacebuilding. It is known that Indonesia and Timor-Leste shared a painful history and difficult historical baggage. But that did not stop us from forging a future that is fundamentally different from the past. We methodically looked at our problems, sat down together with plenty of goodwill, and found pragmatic solutions.
We now have joint border cooperation, and the relations between the TNI and F-FDTL are excellent. As a result, Indonesia and Timor-Leste today are blessed with one of the strongest relations between neighbors in Southeast Asia. And by doing so, not only do we make our borders peaceful, we also make our region more stable and the world a little safer.”
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke about Peacebuilding noting that “Building solid foundations of peace and development can take years and decades” but that “sustained peace can bring rapid gains.”
A delegation of members of Timor-Leste’s armed forces, led by F-FDTL commander Major General Lere Anan Timur, are also attending the Dialogue to strengthen relations with other regional defense organizations.