Timor-Leste conducted the second round of presidential elections on 19 April. The election was peaceful, orderly, and confirms Timorese people’ commitment to democratic values. These are the fifth presidential elections since the country regained independence in 2002.

Official provisional results confirm that former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate José Ramos-Horta has won the election.

The European Union congratulates José Ramos-Horta and looks forward to working closely with him as a reliable partner in the consolidation of the Timor-Leste-EU relationship.

As like-minded partners, the EU and Timor-Leste will continue to stand together in the defence of democracy, human rights and multilateralism. The EU considers Timor Leste as a valuable counterpart for the implementation of its Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to support Timor-Leste’s efforts towards its further democratic consolidation and good governance, as testified by the deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission for the Presidential elections and work closely with Timor-Leste to assure sustainable economic development.