Government lunch hosted by the Taoiseach in honour of the State Visit to Ireland by the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste
I am delighted that so many of the friends of Timor Leste in Ireland, as well as so many distinguished members of the business and academic communities, have been able to join me in this heartfelt welcome to a very special friend of Ireland - President Jose Ramos-Horta - President of Timor-Leste and celebrated Nobel Laureate.
The visit of President Ramos-Horta offers us a timely opportunity to celebrate the strong bond of friendship between our two countries and to reflect on how the strength of our relationship can be further deepened and developed.
It is now ten years since the Timorese people voted for independence and democracy and over that period Timor-Leste has grown in stature and in substance, both as a state and as a nation.
Ireland is proud to have been among the members of the international community who partnered with Timor-Leste on the remarkable journey of the last ten years. But Ireland's support for Timor and the Timorese did not begin on that momentous day on 30 August 1999. Our support was demonstrated in different ways over the years; first, in the vibrant and vocal solidarity movement that championed an end to foreign occupation; then, in the peacekeeping and humanitarian response following the horrific violence of 1999; and since that, in a well focussed partnership for development - always appropriate to the needs of Timor-Leste and always undertaken to re-enforce the leadership of the Timorese people themselves.
At this important milestone in Timor-Leste's development - as it charts its course to economic prosperity - it is appropriate to reflect on what contribution we in Ireland can make to Timor-Leste's ambitions. Indeed, when one considers the position of Timor-Leste now after ten years as a state, and our own circumstances, there are many similarities - the transformation and adaptation of national institutions from colonial structures, the quest for social and economic development, the diversification away from an exclusive reliance on agriculture - and the challenge of grasping the enthusiasm of independence and empowering the ambitions and enthusiasm of a young and vibrant population.
It took vision and hard work to stoke the engine of Ireland's economic growth. Education was of key importance. It was our investment in education that provided the solid foundation which enabled us to create employment, attract Foreign Direct Investment and grow our country from nationhood to statehood. Coupled with this was our entry into the European Union - then the European Economic Community. This gave us access to a huge market that made us an attractive base for those aiming to export into Europe.
Ireland has prospered and grown with our partners in Europe. Our membership of the EU has guaranteed our place firmly within the mainstream of Europe's ambitions for its people. We are engaged at the very heart of Europe, while retaining our distinctive voice, our cultural heritage, and our native language.
President Ramos-Horta, I know that you have a strong and clear vision for the development of Timor-Leste. You have been responsible for launching a number of important initiatives which have reduced poverty and fostered economic and social development. You have presented Timor-Leste as a new and exciting destination for international investment and tourism. I believe that you have also taken a personal role in promoting the planned Dili Marathon, in the recent International Fishing Competition, and the regionally and internationally renowned Tour de Timor cycle race - an event sponsored by our own telecommunications company Digicell.
Other Irish companies have worked in Timor-Leste in the development of roads and bridges, and I congratulate Nicholas O'Dwyer Consulting Engineers on the company's contribution to your significant investments in infrastructure.
I welcome the presence of Pearse Corbett of ESB International, an Irish semi-state body that has expanded far beyond these shores, and has considerable experience in building and rehabilitation of electricity infrastructure. I also welcome other members of our business community who are interested in contributing to your success -some of whom will have the opportunity of further meetings with you and your delegation during the visit.
President, as you know, Irish Aid has been working in Timor-Leste since 2001 and has partnered closely with the Government in many areas which include helping to develop the institutions of State and civil society.
We both recognised that one of the drivers of the conflict that emerged in 2006 was youth unemployment and since then we have been active in supporting efforts to create jobs for young people - and especially for young women. As our officials work together in Dili to plan our future engagement, they are consulting with your Government on the process of decentralisation and how this can bring services and also jobs to Timorese people in rural areas and towns well beyond Dili.
It is my hope, Mr. President, that your visit will spark a new era of innovative partnerships between our two countries. Timor-Leste is a country brimming with potential. I know it is your desire and equally that of your Government that this potential is realised rapidly. Ireland applauds your ambitions and remains ready to respond in support.
With that undertaking in mind, I would like to propose a toast to Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, and to the people of Timor-Leste, for progress, prosperity, and partnership.
ENDS