BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof led a delegation from the Ministry of Defence to attend the solemn ceremony of the 50th anniversary of the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL) in Dili from Aug 19-21.
The delegation comprised Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan; Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam to Timor-Leste Mohammad Dino Ayup and senior officers from the Ministry of Defence.
The event on Wednesday (Aug 20) commenced with an international conference at the Main Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), officially opened by Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, followed by a remembrance ceremony for the unknown soldier.
The main event took place after a lunch reception at Largo de Tasi Tolu, featuring a military parade and an address by President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta.
The ceremony was attended by senior defence and military representatives, veterans, military personnel, and diplomats, as well as members of the public.
The 50th anniversary of the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of Timor-Leste, under the theme ‘Extending Peace to the World’, is a significant milestone in the nation’s history, commemorating five decades since the establishment of its armed independence movement.
The event pays tribute to veterans and fallen combatants who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom, strengthens the historical legacy and patriotic spirit across generations, and reflects Timor-Leste’s journey from conflict towards peace and nation-building.
The Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II also called on Minister of Defence of Timor-Leste Rear Admiral Donaciano Costa Gomes ‘Pedro Klamar Fuik’ at the Ministry of Defence building yesterday morning, where both sides discussed defence matters and regional security issues of mutual concern.
The visit reflects Brunei Darussalam’s strong bilateral relations and further strengthens ties for regional peace and stability. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
