TOKYO, 13 May 2026 – Her Excellency Ambassador Maria Terezinha Viegas received a courtesy call today at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Tokyo from Mr. Yamauchi Yoshimitsu, Director of the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI).
Mr. Yamauchi, accompanied by Ms. Constantinescu, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Embassy to formally seek Timor-Leste’s support for his candidacy as a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
A Partnership for Justice
Mr. Yamauchi has long maintained a profound professional relationship with Timor-Leste. As a staunch advocate for justice and fairness, his leadership at UNAFEI has been instrumental in supporting Timor-Leste’s judicial sector, particularly through significant contributions to national prison reform initiatives.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
In addition to the formal discussions, the meeting touched upon the warm cultural ties between the two nations. Mr. Yamauchi, a connoisseur of Timor-Leste’s organic coffee, expressed his appreciation for the country’s world-class produce.
As a gesture of gratitude and a symbol of the flourishing partnership between Timor-Leste and Japan, Her Excellency presented Mr. Yamauchi with a gift of premium Timor-Leste coffee, representing the shared commitment of both nations to continue strengthening their diplomatic and professional bonds.
