Dili (East Timor), August 31, 2024 (SPS) – Mr. Brahim Ghali, the President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, concluded his visit to the Democratic Republic of East Timor, invited by his Timorese counterpart, Mr. Ramos Horta.
On the last day of the visit, the President, along with the guests of the Timorese people, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, attended the official closing celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the self-determination referendum, which led to East Timor's independence on August 30, 1999.
The celebration featured a large public turnout and a variety of activities, speeches, performances, and artistic segments that reflected Timorese culture and its role in preserving identity and its strong contribution to keeping the flame of resistance alive until independence was achieved.
The event included speeches from Timorese President Ramos Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and concluded with a reception in honor of the guests, celebrating the historic day when the UN fulfilled its mission and commitment to decolonization in East Timor, enabling its people to freely choose their democratic path in the self-determination referendum.
It is worth noting that the President of the Republic's visit included many significant activities, such as meetings with his Timorese counterpart and the Prime Minister, and attendance at various political, cultural, and media events, as well as a meeting with the UN Secretary-General.
President Ghali was accompanied by a delegation that included Abdati Breika, an advisor to the presidency, and Aba Malainin, the Sahrawi ambassador in East Timor.