Prime Minister
Prime Minister Ruak, Minister Pereira, Minister of State for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Foreign Minister Soares, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
It’s an honour for me to be here in Dili, on this day full of meaning for the people of Timor-Leste. On this day, twenty years ago, the people of Timor-Leste voted for freedom. They voted for sovereignty, and democracy. They voted to be reborn as the first new nation of the 21st century. And because of that day, as Chief Negotiator, His Excellency Xanana Gusmao once said, “The sun rises every day over a free Timor-Leste.”
Today, you are a proud nation, a young nation, risen from the ashes. One that’s shown the world how to overcome violence with peace, and rebuild what was torn down. So that your land can be renewed and your people can flourish.
In just twenty years you have built a vibrant democracy. You’ve created the institutions that support it, and held the free and peaceful elections that sustain it. You’ve built hospitals and schools and roads. You’ve brought down infant mortality and poverty, and eradicated polio. You’ve sent a team to the Olympic Games four times. You’ve travelled a long road, and I believe even more progress and prosperity lie ahead. I’m very proud that Australia is part of your journey.
Since the days of INTERFET, Australians have worked with you here to promote peace and nurture growth. We are committed to the sovereignty and prosperity of Timor-Leste. And today, we open a new chapter in that partnership. Founded on shared respect, shared interests, and shared values. Strengthened by talking together, working together, and solving problems together. That’s exactly what we’ve done with the new Maritime Boundary Treaty, which comes into force today.
In a region where some boundary disputes remain unresolved, Australia and Timor-Leste have set an example by sitting down, as neighbours, partners, and friends, to finalise a new maritime boundary. We’ve worked through our differences, as friends and partners do, and we’ve led the way in finding a peaceful resolution through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In Australia’s parliament, there was a bipartisan effort to pass the domestic legislation for the treaty quickly, so we’d be ready to mark the Treaty’s beginning on this day so full of meaning for you and for us. This boundary doesn’t keep us apart. It brings us together. We’ll continue to work with you, as we have done since 2001, on the security and stability of our region.
As we begin this new chapter today, on behalf of all Australians I say: May the sun rise over a free Timor-Leste in all the days to come.
Thank you.