Jakarta — On 13 July 2026, His Excellency Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia, resumed his duties at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta.
From 6 to 10 July 2026, Ambassador Soares undertook a five-day working visit to Dili to support preparations for the official visit of Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, to Dili from 8 to 10 July 2026.
The visit was made at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. During her visit, Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri held meetings with the President of Timor-Leste, the Speaker of the National Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Court of Appeal. She was conferred the highest honor of Timor-Leste, the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste.
His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão hosted a friendship and working lunch in honor of Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri’s visit to Timor-Leste.
While in Dili, Ambassador Soares held a series of meetings to coordinate and advance bilateral priorities, including:
* A meeting with His Excellency Dr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
* A meeting with His Excellency Rear Admiral Donanciano do Rosário da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, Minister of Defence
* A meeting with His Excellency Mr. Jorge Soares Cristovão, Secretary of State for Art and Culture
* A meeting with the Office of Land and Maritime Boundaries of Timor-Leste
* The handover of a Book of Condolence containing messages of comfort, sympathy, and solidarity on the passing of former President Dr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo” to Mrs. Cidália Nobre Guterres, spouse of the late President
The discussions focused on updating perspectives on matters of national interest and on further strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.
Ambassador Soares extends his profound admiration and respectful appreciation to the Office of the President of the Republic, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for their extraordinary teamwork in extending the warmest hospitality and ensuring excellent organization in hosting the visit of Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegates.
“The visit of Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri to Timor-Leste further strengthened the enduring collaboration, friendship, and solidarity between the peoples of Timor-Leste and Indonesia, and made an exceptional contribution to our diplomatic relations and cooperation,” Ambassador Roberto Soares stated.