Prime Minister Congratulates Anthony Albanese on Electoral Victory
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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May 5th, 2025
Press Release
Prime Minister Congratulates Anthony Albanese on Electoral Victory
The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, today sent an official message of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Anthony Albanese, regarding his election victory and the renewal of his mandate at the head of the Australian Government.
In his message, the Head of Government emphasised, “The decisive outcome, returning the Australian Labour Party to government with an increased majority, is a powerful affirmation of the Australian people's confidence in your leadership and your vision for an inclusive, fair and prosperous nation”.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also emphasised that, in “these times of change and volatility”, Prime Minister Albanese “has provided Australia with a sense of stability and certainty”, and that the election result “also represents a strong endorsement of your foreign policy approach including your commitment to positive regional engagement and cooperation”.
The Prime Minister valued the strengthening of bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Australia under the leadership of Anthony Albanese, emphasising that “[they] have never been stronger” and stated that his “support for the self-determination of our people during our independence struggle holds deep significance for our nation”.
Recalling the historical complexity of relations between the two countries, Xanana Gusmão said he believed that this re-election “presents a unique opportunity to build a relationship of trust, cooperation and solidarity”.
The letter also highlights the decisive importance of developing the Greater Sunrise Project for the future of Timor-Leste, which “will serve as a foundation for long-term social and economic development”. The Head of Government recalled the recent Joint Statement, following the excellent work of Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Special Envoy Steve Bracks, expressing confidence that “we can build on this progress for the mutual benefit of our nations”.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to reiterate his invitation to his Australian counterpart to visit Timor-Leste, emphasising that an official visit “would be warmly welcomed by the Timorese people and would further strengthen our strong relationship of friendship”.
In a statement issued yesterday, May 4th, the Government congratulated Anthony Albanese on his re-election. The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Government Spokesperson, and Timor-Leste's interlocutor in the negotiations on the Greater Sunrise Project, Agio Pereira, stated that “the Government of Timor-Leste looks forward to continuing to work closely with Prime Minister Albanese and his administration to advance our shared objectives and further deepen our bilateral relationship”. END
