Ambassador of Timor Leste to Japan

Ambassador's Profile

H.E. MARIA TEREZINHA DA SILVA VIEGAS

Ambassador-Designate of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Japan

H.E. Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas is a distinguished stateswoman with a formidable legacy in national leadership and legislative affairs. Her appointment as Ambassador-Designate to Japan follows an illustrious career in the National Parliament and the Government, where she has served as a pillar of Timor-Leste’s democratic stability and nation-building.

Strategic Vision and Legislative Leadership

Throughout her political career, Ambassador Viegas has demonstrated unparalleled consistency, having been elected to six consecutive legislative terms since the establishment of the National Parliament in 2002. Her extensive experience includes high-level strategic positions that shape her current diplomatic vision:

Vice-President of the National Parliament: Orchestrated national legislative agendas and parliamentary oversight.
Former Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs: Served as a vital strategic bridge between the Executive and Legislative branches (2012–2017).
Architect of the Constitution: Served as Secretary of the Legislative Commission of the Constituent Assembly, which drafted the nation’s supreme law in 2001.

This profound background in high-level policy-making provides her with a unique strategic lens to navigate complex diplomatic missions.

Roots of Struggle and Human Rights Advocacy

Born in Orlalan on October 3, 1964, Maria’s journey is a narrative of unwavering resilience. From a clandestine operative supporting the national liberation movement to a steadfast advocate for human rights, she has been a transformative figure in Timorese society. She was a key architect behind Article 17 of the Constitution, a moral covenant guaranteeing gender equality before the law. This commitment has extended to the global stage through her leadership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and as President of the National Group of AP–CPLP.

Diplomatic Mandate in Japan

As Ambassador-Designate, H.E. Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas is dedicated to leveraging her political expertise to deepen the bilateral partnership between Timor-Leste and Japan. She leads a results-oriented mandate with a focus on advancing key national strategic sectors:

Infrastructure Development: Advancing collaboration to strengthen the nation’s physical foundations and connectivity.
Healthcare and Education: Expanding technical and academic cooperation to enhance human capital.
Strategic Partnership: Ensuring a robust bilateral relationship that serves the long-term national interests of Timor-Leste.

Ambassador Viegas is committed to a relationship built on mutual respect and shared prosperity, bridging national priorities with global cooperation for a just and dignified future for Timor-Leste.