Saturday, 27th September 2003
H.E PRESIDENT KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃO TO RECEIVE
INTERNATIONAL VISIONARY LEADERS’ AWARD
On 30th September, H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will be
awarded the prestigious International Herald Tribune Visionary Leaders’
Award, in recognition of his role in nation-building and active contribution
towards national reconciliation and stability.
President Xanana Gusmão, who departs Dili on Monday morning for Singapore, views this award as “an honour not just for me, but for the people of Timor-Leste. It is one more recognition and tribute to our steadfast determination and commitment to building our nation on the solid foundations of reconciliation, peace and justice”.
Whilst in Singapore, the President is expected to meet with H.E. President S.R. Nathan of Singapore, where issues of mutual interest will be discussed. At the invitation of the Singaporean President, a luncheon will be held in honour of President Gusmão.
On October 1st, President Xanana Gusmão will deliver an opening address at the International Tourism Expo to officially open the Timor-Leste Pavilion, an initiative of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in conjunction with the Government of Timor-Leste.
For President Xanana Gusmão, this provides an opportunity for Timor-Leste to “seriously think about our nation’s development. As the newest member of PATA, I will take the opportunity to talk about our tourism potential and invite our friends and neighbours in the region to come and visit Timor-Leste. I believe tourism can provide good economic development and we have to capitalize on our natural beauty, of which we have in abundance. Tourism is a great way to consolidate friendships and develop mutual tolerance, respect and understanding, as it allows the mixing and matching of diversity of cultures and thinking, which more than anything else, helps to create conditions to strengthen harmony and world peace”.
President Gusmão is also expected to attend the ASEAN Business Summit in Bali from 4th 5th October, before arriving in Dili on the 6th.
A Press Conference will be held at the Dili International Airport upon departure and arrival of the President. Only media personnel accredited with the Office of the President will be granted access to the conference.
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