The decree, dated February 18, justifies the awarding of Timor-Leste's highest honor with the fact that the President has demonstrated throughout his term a “commitment to Timor-Leste” and that both countries share a “similar history in terms of conflict and peace-building process”.
“History has taught us important lessons about how peace and stability are fundamental to the national development of our countries,” reads the decree published in the Jornal da República.
The Order of Timor-Leste aims to recognize and thank national and foreign citizens for their behavior or actions that have contributed significantly to the benefit of the country, the Timorese or humanity.
The Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste is, as a rule, awarded to heads of state and government.
The President is scheduled to make an official visit to Timor-Leste between 9 and 11 March to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the head of Timorese diplomacy, Bendito Freitas, said on Monday.
