A commemorative ceremony was held in East Timor, which celebrated its 20th anniversary of independence, on the 20th, and President Ramos Holta, who took office, strengthened relations with the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan, and promoted the economic development of the country. I emphasized that I wanted to.
East Timor, under Portuguese and Indonesian rule for over 400 years, became independent on May 20, 2002, and President Ramos Holta was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as one of the leaders of the independence movement.
"We are proud to celebrate this day with all the unknown heroes who fought for independence," Ramos Holta said at an independence ceremony held at the presidential palace in the capital Dili. rice field.
He said, "We must strengthen diplomatic relations in a turbulent world situation," and hopes to cooperate with countries such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, and Japan to promote national economic development. I emphasized.
In East Timor, about 30% of the people are poor, and the creation of employment and the transformation of the industrial structure that depends on natural resources such as oil have been issues for many years.
A 30-year-old woman who attended the ceremony said, "I am proud to celebrate Independence Day. I want women and young people to have the opportunity to work."
A 77-year-old man said, "Twenty years after independence, many young people are still left with various problems and hope to be resolved."