Counselor Celio Moniz participated in the second day of the NIKKEI Forum: 31st Future of Asia, held in Tokyo on 10–11 June 2026. The prestigious annual forum brought together political leaders, academics, business representatives, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss key regional and global challenges.
Among the distinguished speakers were the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Prime Minister of Laos, the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, as well as senior government officials and leading experts from various countries.
On the second day of the forum, participants also focused on an online interview session with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, who addressed a range of strategic issues, including diplomacy, reconciliation, ASEAN integration, and regional economic cooperation. The session lasted approximately 45 minutes.
During the discussion, President Ramos-Horta emphasized that Timor-Leste’s independence and reconciliation with Indonesia were achieved through dialogue, wise leadership, and strong support from the international community.
The President highlighted the relationship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia as an example of how countries with historical differences can build peaceful, constructive, and mutually beneficial relations. According to him, dialogue and mutual understanding remain essential foundations for sustainable cooperation between nations.
“Dialogue and mutual understanding remain essential foundations for sustainable cooperation between nations.”
Speaking on international affairs, President Ramos-Horta expressed concern over growing divisions among major powers. He underscored the importance of diplomacy and multilateralism in maintaining peace, stability, and international cooperation.
The President also stated that dialogue remains the most effective means of addressing ongoing conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Myanmar, and other conflict-affected regions.
Regarding ASEAN, President Ramos-Horta noted that Timor-Leste’s membership presents significant opportunities to promote economic growth, attract investment, expand trade, and create employment opportunities.
He also revealed that Timor-Leste has already begun preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029 and expressed hope that the country will make a positive contribution to regional stability, integration, and development.
The President further highlighted the strategic importance of the Greater Sunrise project for Timor-Leste’s future development. He noted that the project is expected to strengthen national energy security, support industrial development, and increase export capacity to regional markets, including ASEAN member states and Japan.
President Ramos-Horta emphasized that the Petroleum Fund, low public debt, and increasing foreign investment remain important pillars of Timor-Leste’s long-term economic stability.
He noted that prudent management of national resources will continue to serve as a key foundation for sustainable development and improved public welfare.
Concluding the interview, President Ramos-Horta called for stronger regional cooperation between ASEAN member states and Asia’s major economies, including China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
According to the President, closer collaboration is essential to enhance energy security, strengthen supply chain resilience, maintain regional stability, and promote shared prosperity across Asia.
