Events in 2021 (September - December)
2022/3/10
Signing of the Exchange of Note with WFP to Support Emergency Food Security in Timor-Leste
Signing Ceremony of the Airport Project
Signing Ceremony for the 4th Batch of JDS Project
JMOD/JGSDF Participation in Exercise Harii Hamutuk 2021 (EX-HH 21)
Handing Over of Cold Chain Equipment from the Government of Japan and UNICEF to the Ministry of Health
9/ 17/ 2021
JAPAN and UNICEF expand the cold-chain capacity for COVID-19 vaccines
On 17 September, the Government of Japan and UNICEF handed over cold-chain equipment, including 4 cold rooms, 5 voltage stabilizers, 500 fridge tags for temperature monitoring and 20 laptops in order to accelerate vaccine deployment in Timor-Leste.
At the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan, Masami KINEFUCHI said, "These equipment are to be used in four regional warehouses and will help get vaccine shots to people's arms in all corners of Timor-Leste."
It is the first time that the regional warehouses are equipped with cold-chain storage facilities, and it will speed up the distribution of vaccines in the rural area.
Japan is providing more than 16 million USD of assistance in total for measures against COVID-19 and has provided 168,000 doses of Astra-Zeneca vaccine produced in Japan.
9/ 18/ 2021
Japanese Reading Contest in Mirai-Sat in Tilomar, Suai
On 18 September, Japanese Reading Contest was held at Mirai-Sat, Tilomar in Suai with support of Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste and Japan Foundation. The contestants compete on reading 3 types of Japanese Characters; Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
9 / 9-21/2021
Japan's Ministry of Defense and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JMOD/JGSDF) are participating in Exercise Harii Hamutuk 2021 (EX-HH 21)
17 members of JMOD and JGSDF are participating in EX-HH 21, the joint exercise with USA, Australia, New Zealand and Timor-Leste from 9 to 21 September. During the exercise, they will assist the capacity-building of F-FDTL in survey, heavy equipment maintenance and vehicle maintenance. After the exercise, the team will stay on until 14 October to provide additional training in these areas.
JGSDF has been providing assistance in capacity-building of F-FDTL in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) since 2012, and through participation in EX-HH since 2015. Last year, JMOD/JGSDF was unable to participate in EX-HH due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Lieutenant General Lere Anan Timur for a warm welcome at his press conference on 3 September. I am extremely pleased that the Japanese team is able to work closely with F-FDTL and other Pacific partners, USA, Australia and New Zealand once again this year," says Ambassador Masami Kinefuchi.
9/ 21/ 2021
Japan grants USD 3 million through WFP to support emergency food security in Timor-Leste
On 21 September, the Government of Japan signed an exchange of notes with WFP granting USD 3 million to provide emergency food supplies and technical support for people affected by COVID-19 and recent flood. This contribution comes at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods have exacerbated existing gaps in food security and nutrition.
At the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan, Masami KINEFUCHI said, “Securing enough food to all people and eliminating mal-nutrition are fundamental responsibility of any government. It is encouraging that the Government of Timor-Leste is taking serious steps in coping with this agenda through policies such as “Consolidated national Action Plan and Food Security”, and “Zero Hunger Action Plan”. I strongly hope this new assistance will contribute to these policies and betterment of the peoples’ welfare.”
Since Japan hosted the first donors meeting for Timor-Leste in 1999 in Tokyo, Japan has been a major development partner to Timor-Leste over more than 20 years.
JAPAN and UNICEF expand the cold-chain capacity for COVID-19 vaccines
On 17 September, the Government of Japan and UNICEF handed over cold-chain equipment, including 4 cold rooms, 5 voltage stabilizers, 500 fridge tags for temperature monitoring and 20 laptops in order to accelerate vaccine deployment in Timor-Leste.
At the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan, Masami KINEFUCHI said, "These equipment are to be used in four regional warehouses and will help get vaccine shots to people's arms in all corners of Timor-Leste."
It is the first time that the regional warehouses are equipped with cold-chain storage facilities, and it will speed up the distribution of vaccines in the rural area.
Japan is providing more than 16 million USD of assistance in total for measures against COVID-19 and has provided 168,000 doses of Astra-Zeneca vaccine produced in Japan.
9/ 18/ 2021
Japanese Reading Contest in Mirai-Sat in Tilomar, Suai
On 18 September, Japanese Reading Contest was held at Mirai-Sat, Tilomar in Suai with support of Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste and Japan Foundation. The contestants compete on reading 3 types of Japanese Characters; Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
9 / 9-21/2021
Japan's Ministry of Defense and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JMOD/JGSDF) are participating in Exercise Harii Hamutuk 2021 (EX-HH 21)
17 members of JMOD and JGSDF are participating in EX-HH 21, the joint exercise with USA, Australia, New Zealand and Timor-Leste from 9 to 21 September. During the exercise, they will assist the capacity-building of F-FDTL in survey, heavy equipment maintenance and vehicle maintenance. After the exercise, the team will stay on until 14 October to provide additional training in these areas.
JGSDF has been providing assistance in capacity-building of F-FDTL in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) since 2012, and through participation in EX-HH since 2015. Last year, JMOD/JGSDF was unable to participate in EX-HH due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Lieutenant General Lere Anan Timur for a warm welcome at his press conference on 3 September. I am extremely pleased that the Japanese team is able to work closely with F-FDTL and other Pacific partners, USA, Australia and New Zealand once again this year," says Ambassador Masami Kinefuchi.
9/ 21/ 2021
Japan grants USD 3 million through WFP to support emergency food security in Timor-Leste
On 21 September, the Government of Japan signed an exchange of notes with WFP granting USD 3 million to provide emergency food supplies and technical support for people affected by COVID-19 and recent flood. This contribution comes at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods have exacerbated existing gaps in food security and nutrition.
At the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan, Masami KINEFUCHI said, “Securing enough food to all people and eliminating mal-nutrition are fundamental responsibility of any government. It is encouraging that the Government of Timor-Leste is taking serious steps in coping with this agenda through policies such as “Consolidated national Action Plan and Food Security”, and “Zero Hunger Action Plan”. I strongly hope this new assistance will contribute to these policies and betterment of the peoples’ welfare.”
Since Japan hosted the first donors meeting for Timor-Leste in 1999 in Tokyo, Japan has been a major development partner to Timor-Leste over more than 20 years.
Condolences on the Passing of Mr. Ma'Huno Builerek Karathayano
Survey by Japanese Experts Team for the Flood Countermeasures (c) JICA Timor-Leste
9/25/2021
JENESYS: High School virtual exchange between JENESYS Alumni of Timor-Leste
9/ 28/ 2021
Condolences on the passing of Mr. Ma'Huno Builerek Karathayano
On behalf of the people of Japan, Ambassador Masami Kinefuchi extends his heartfelt condolences to all the people of Timor-Leste as well as bereaved family on the passing of Mr. Ma'Huno Builerek Karathayano, the great hero of Timor-Leste, who fought alongside the people in the struggle for Timor-Leste's restoration of independence. Our thoughts are with the people of Timor-Leste and his family at this time of sorrow.
10/ 1/ 2021
Japan grants USD 44 million for the Construction of Terminal Building of the Nicolau Lobato International Airport
"Today is a much awaited day for us all: the day for the international agreement on the project of President Nicolau Lobato International Airport." Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste Mr. Masami Kinefuchi said, "The past 20 years have been a period of reconstruction after restoring independence, and I hope Timor-Leste will make the coming 20 years a new stage of growth, bringing a more dynamic economic and social development, fueled by this airport project."
10/6/2021
Japanese experts team for “The Post Situation and Data Collection Survey for The Flood Countermeasures”
JENESYS: High School virtual exchange between JENESYS Alumni of Timor-Leste
9/ 28/ 2021
Condolences on the passing of Mr. Ma'Huno Builerek Karathayano
On behalf of the people of Japan, Ambassador Masami Kinefuchi extends his heartfelt condolences to all the people of Timor-Leste as well as bereaved family on the passing of Mr. Ma'Huno Builerek Karathayano, the great hero of Timor-Leste, who fought alongside the people in the struggle for Timor-Leste's restoration of independence. Our thoughts are with the people of Timor-Leste and his family at this time of sorrow.
10/ 1/ 2021
Japan grants USD 44 million for the Construction of Terminal Building of the Nicolau Lobato International Airport
"Today is a much awaited day for us all: the day for the international agreement on the project of President Nicolau Lobato International Airport." Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste Mr. Masami Kinefuchi said, "The past 20 years have been a period of reconstruction after restoring independence, and I hope Timor-Leste will make the coming 20 years a new stage of growth, bringing a more dynamic economic and social development, fueled by this airport project."
10/6/2021
Japanese experts team for “The Post Situation and Data Collection Survey for The Flood Countermeasures”
MEXT Scholarship - Research Students 2021
Reporting Session by JDS Students
10/ 7/ 2021
JENESYS On-Line Seminar on Fisheries
On 7th October, JENESYS On-Line-Seminar on Fisheries was held for government administrators in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and 23 officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries participated in the seminar from Timor-Leste. The lecture was on “Japan's Export Promotion of Seafood and Fisheries Value Chain”, and many participants actively asked questions during Q&A sessions.
10/ 14/ 2021
Departure of MEXT Scholarship – Research Students 2021
On Thursday, October 14, 2021, three Timorese students who are recipients of Japanese Government Scholarship Program (MEXT) departed to Japan.
The three students were scheduled to depart to Japan in September, but their travel has been postponed due to COVID-19. Two students will study in post-graduate level at Nagoya University and the other will study at Kyoto University. Let’s wish them success in their studies in Japan!
11/26/ 2021
Reporting Session by JDS Students
11/ 29/ 2021
JENESYS Online Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction
On 29 November, the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste organized an online seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction as a part of 2021 JENESYS Program.
JENESYS On-Line Seminar on Fisheries
On 7th October, JENESYS On-Line-Seminar on Fisheries was held for government administrators in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and 23 officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries participated in the seminar from Timor-Leste. The lecture was on “Japan's Export Promotion of Seafood and Fisheries Value Chain”, and many participants actively asked questions during Q&A sessions.
10/ 14/ 2021
Departure of MEXT Scholarship – Research Students 2021
On Thursday, October 14, 2021, three Timorese students who are recipients of Japanese Government Scholarship Program (MEXT) departed to Japan.
The three students were scheduled to depart to Japan in September, but their travel has been postponed due to COVID-19. Two students will study in post-graduate level at Nagoya University and the other will study at Kyoto University. Let’s wish them success in their studies in Japan!
11/26/ 2021
Reporting Session by JDS Students
11/ 29/ 2021
JENESYS Online Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction
On 29 November, the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste organized an online seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction as a part of 2021 JENESYS Program.
UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development 2021
Inauguration of Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building
12/ 1/ 2021
“Signing Ceremony for the 4th batch of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)”
On 1st December, a signing ceremony for the Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) funded by the Government of Japan was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Ambassador KINEFUCHI said, “Human resources development is the key to nation building. Japan offers many scholarship programs to the people of Timor-Leste and more than 2000 people have studied in Japan, some short-term, others long-term. This newly created JDS program will provide an opportunity for young officials to prepare them to become invaluable leaders for the future of this nation.”
12/ 2/ 2021
Commemoration of UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development 2021
Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. HIRASHIMA Shusaku attended the commemoration of UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development organized by Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO at INFORDEPE.
12/9/2021
Braille Letter Training for People with Visual Impairment
12/ 17/ 2021
The inauguration ceremony of Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building
The inauguration ceremony of Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building took place in Guisarudu area, Fatobolo village, Hatolia B district, Ermera municipality on December 17, 2021. The Government of Japan is funding about USD$1.5 million to the project “Improving Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) in Ermera Municipality” and the Japanese NGO Frontline is implementing this project. The project aims to increase access to high-quality RMNCH service and to improve maternal and child health in Ermera municipality. As the first step in this 3-year project, Maternity Building at Guisarudu Health Centre was constructed.
The Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building was inaugurated by Mr. KINEFUCHI Masami, Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, and H.E. Mr. Marcelo Amaral, Director General, Ministry of Health. The event was also attended by Mr. Eusébio Salsinha, the President Authority of Ermera Municipality, and Mr. Antonio de Deus Fatima, the Director of District Health Services of Ermera.
“Signing Ceremony for the 4th batch of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)”
On 1st December, a signing ceremony for the Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) funded by the Government of Japan was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Ambassador KINEFUCHI said, “Human resources development is the key to nation building. Japan offers many scholarship programs to the people of Timor-Leste and more than 2000 people have studied in Japan, some short-term, others long-term. This newly created JDS program will provide an opportunity for young officials to prepare them to become invaluable leaders for the future of this nation.”
12/ 2/ 2021
Commemoration of UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development 2021
Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. HIRASHIMA Shusaku attended the commemoration of UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development organized by Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO at INFORDEPE.
12/9/2021
Braille Letter Training for People with Visual Impairment
12/ 17/ 2021
The inauguration ceremony of Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building
The inauguration ceremony of Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building took place in Guisarudu area, Fatobolo village, Hatolia B district, Ermera municipality on December 17, 2021. The Government of Japan is funding about USD$1.5 million to the project “Improving Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) in Ermera Municipality” and the Japanese NGO Frontline is implementing this project. The project aims to increase access to high-quality RMNCH service and to improve maternal and child health in Ermera municipality. As the first step in this 3-year project, Maternity Building at Guisarudu Health Centre was constructed.
The Guisarudu Health Centre Maternity Building was inaugurated by Mr. KINEFUCHI Masami, Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, and H.E. Mr. Marcelo Amaral, Director General, Ministry of Health. The event was also attended by Mr. Eusébio Salsinha, the President Authority of Ermera Municipality, and Mr. Antonio de Deus Fatima, the Director of District Health Services of Ermera.
STAE National Workshop Preparation for Presidential Election 2022
Berlin Ramelau seen from above
12/ 7/ 2021
Results Overview of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2021 (High Level Sessions)
On 7 December, the High Level Sessions of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2021 was held. The Government of Japan hosted the Summit in a hybrid format that combines on-site participation of domestic participants and on-line participants from overseas.
At the Opening Session of the first day of the Summit, H.E. Taur Matan Ruak, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, joined the meeting through a video speech, along with President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Mr. Felix Anotine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Sheikh Hasina, and other representatives from international organizations.
12/ 21/ 2021
Congratulations on the arrival of Berlin Ramelau !
On December 21, Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Kinefuchi joined the celebration of the handover ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, the Communication and Transport Minister and other VIPs, together with many Timorese citizens.
The Ambassador said, " It is a big moment for all Timorese people. And it is also a special moment for Japan and Japanese people! Dili Port Ferry Terminal and Oecusse Port Ferry Terminal have been newly built by Japanese grant aid, and we are very happy to see these port facilities playing a more significant role in transporting people and goods between Dili, Atauro and Oecusse. I am sure the new Ferry is welcomed by lots of people of this country, especially those living in Atauro and Oecusse."
Japan has provided continuous assistance to the development of Timor-Leste's ports starting from the rehabilitation of Dili Port just after the conflict in 2000. It includes building both infrastructure and human resources capacity of APORTIL. The amount of Japanese assistance to build Ferry Terminals was about $10 million in Oecusse and about $20 million in Dili. With the new Ferry's arrival, these facilities are expected to be of maximum use for the development of these regions and for the benefit of all Timorese people.
12/24/2021
STAE National Workshop Preparation for Presidential Election 2022
12/24/2021
Signing of a Letter of Agreement to accelerate improvement of the national media in Timor-Leste
Results Overview of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2021 (High Level Sessions)
On 7 December, the High Level Sessions of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2021 was held. The Government of Japan hosted the Summit in a hybrid format that combines on-site participation of domestic participants and on-line participants from overseas.
At the Opening Session of the first day of the Summit, H.E. Taur Matan Ruak, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, joined the meeting through a video speech, along with President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Mr. Felix Anotine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Sheikh Hasina, and other representatives from international organizations.
12/ 21/ 2021
Congratulations on the arrival of Berlin Ramelau !
On December 21, Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Kinefuchi joined the celebration of the handover ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, the Communication and Transport Minister and other VIPs, together with many Timorese citizens.
The Ambassador said, " It is a big moment for all Timorese people. And it is also a special moment for Japan and Japanese people! Dili Port Ferry Terminal and Oecusse Port Ferry Terminal have been newly built by Japanese grant aid, and we are very happy to see these port facilities playing a more significant role in transporting people and goods between Dili, Atauro and Oecusse. I am sure the new Ferry is welcomed by lots of people of this country, especially those living in Atauro and Oecusse."
Japan has provided continuous assistance to the development of Timor-Leste's ports starting from the rehabilitation of Dili Port just after the conflict in 2000. It includes building both infrastructure and human resources capacity of APORTIL. The amount of Japanese assistance to build Ferry Terminals was about $10 million in Oecusse and about $20 million in Dili. With the new Ferry's arrival, these facilities are expected to be of maximum use for the development of these regions and for the benefit of all Timorese people.
12/24/2021
STAE National Workshop Preparation for Presidential Election 2022
12/24/2021
Signing of a Letter of Agreement to accelerate improvement of the national media in Timor-Leste