East Timor Marks 25th Independence Anniversary with UN Secretary-General

East Timor is set to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its independence from Indonesia, with events encompassing a minute’s silence for fallen heroes, a march, and speeches by prominent figures including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The country faces challenges in diversifying its economy and nurturing new leadership.

East Timor will host United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the 25th anniversary of its vote for independence from Indonesia on Friday, including a minute's silence for those who died during the campaign for nationhood.

Parliament will mark the milestone with a march through Dili's seaside capital, with speeches from Guterres, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and President Jose Ramos-Horta, who are key figures in the independence movement. 'Independence was not an end, but a new beginning,' Guterres told reporters upon arriving in Dili on Wednesday ahead of the commemorations.

'Now, less than a generation later, I stand here as a witness to a nation that prevailed,' he added, noting East Timor's status as a peaceful, democratic nation. The country, which officially gained independence in 2002, achieved a majority vote for independence in a 1999 UN-overseen ballot, after which pro-Jakarta militiamen destroyed infrastructure and conducted violent assaults.

East Timor, formerly occupied by Indonesia from 1975 to 1999 and previously a Portuguese colony, is currently focused on overcoming development challenges, diversifying its oil-and-gas-dependent economy, and fostering a new generation of leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)