Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

To the Prime Minister, His Excellency General Taur Matan Ruak, thank you very much for being here today with your Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Her Excellency Adaljiza Magno, and the ambassador. The three of you are most welcome guests, and on behalf of the coalition it's a great honour to have you in the chamber with us today.

In his memoir, the Hon. Sir Peter Cosgrove reflected on his time commanding the multinational peacekeeping forces in East Timor. He spoke of the stoicism, of the cohesion and of the energy of your national community, of the hardy nature of your people, of the generosity of spirit that exists in the hearts of East Timorese. Our two countries' relationship is characterised by a deep and abiding friendship, a friendship forged by our interlocked histories, our shared neighbourhood in and peaceful outlook for the region, and the mutual respect which exists between our people.

Prime Minister Ruak, in 2007 Australian Prime Minister John Howard wrote about the difficult and demanding task which faced your people in building a sustainable, democratic and prosperous future. It is something you know more than most, as a former freedom fighter, chief of defence force, human rights award recipient and president of your country. Sixteen years on from then Prime Minister Howard's remarks, Australians look on with admiration at what East Timorese have accomplished. Our two countries today are dear friends, and we share a very strong future as friends and as partners.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

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