Government Advances Development of the INTERFET Memorial Project and Strengthens Cooperation with Australia
Dili, August 7th, 2026 — The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), met today with representatives of the Office of the President of the Republic and of the Government of Australia to discuss the development of the future INTERFET Memorial in Dili. 
The meeting brought together representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, the Office of the President of the Republic, represented by Ambassadors Vicky and Nelson Santos, and the Government of Australia, represented by Ambassador Caitlin Wilson.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to develop the memorial, and the Government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the legacy of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) and to ensuring that the memorial reflects the shared history and contributions of Timor-Leste, Australia, New Zealand and other countries that participated in the international peacekeeping mission.
The Government, together with the Office of the President, has identified the former INTERFET heliport, adjacent to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, as the site for the future memorial. A site-blessing ceremony for the proposed International Peacekeeping Memorial and Museum was held on 14 September 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of the deployment of INTERFET.
The Government also discussed the proposed implementation timeline. The meeting further discussed the establishment of technical focal points from Timor-Leste. The Minister emphasised that the memorial should be more than a monument to the past. It should serve as an educational space for future generations, promoting the values of peace, solidarity, and international cooperation.
Minister Agio also emphasised the importance of developing the memorial as a shared legacy for Timor-Leste, Australia, New Zealand, and all INTERFET contributing nations, while ensuring it meets international standards and honours both the Timorese people and the personnel who served in INTERFET.
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