Official Press Release
Timor-Leste National Day – Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan
Osaka, Japan – August 28, 2025
H.E., Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Eng. Gastão Francisco de Sousa, participated in the official ceremony for the National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, led by His Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta.
The ceremony was held at the National Day Hall “Ray Garden”, with the participation of more than 200 guests, including diplomatic representatives, Japanese authorities and international partners.
In his intervention, President Ramos-Horta underlined:
• Timor-Leste’s commitment to continue international cooperation;
• Timor-Leste’s trajectory as a young, vibrant democracy open to global dialogue;
• The determination of the Timorese people to contribute to the world and strengthen ties of friendship.
This event, which was broadcast globally by NHK and also in online/virtual form, showed the international audience the rich culture and promising future of Timor-Leste. The day’s program includes:
• Artistic presentation;
• Cultural demonstration;
• Official speech by Timor-Leste’s leadership.
In parallel, at the Timor-Leste Pavilion (Commons-B), visitors can experience firsthand:
• National tradition;
• Local gastronomy;
• Timorese handicrafts;
• Investment opportunities and attractiveness as an emerging tourism destination in Asia-Pacific.
The presence of S.E. President Ramos-Horta in Osaka confirmed the relevance of Expo 2025 as an international platform to:
• Consolidate friendship with Japan and the global community;
• Reaffirms Timor-Leste’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and globally connected future.
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