HMS Spey has made history by becoming the first Royal Navy warship to dock in Timor-Leste since the Pacific nation gained independence.
The historic visit comes 25 years after the United Kingdom was involved in an international peacekeeping mission that played a part in Timor-Leste’s journey to statehood.
Spey arrived in the capital, Dili, for a three-day visit.
The ship received a warm reception from local media and several VIPs, including Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta and the UK’s newly-appointed Ambassador Dominic Jermey.
The ship’s crew engaged in dialogues concerning joint naval operations aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the Timor Sea. “The ship was warmly welcomed by a sizeable contingent of Timorese media and hosted VIPs…as her sailors discussed joint or mutual naval operations to ensure safety and security of the waters of the Timor Sea,” said the press release.
Timor-Leste is among the world’s youngest countries, having gained independence just over two decades ago following years of rule by Indonesia and Portugal. Geographically, it sits roughly 400 miles northwest of the Australian city of Darwin and occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor.
HMS Spey is part of a permanent Royal Navy presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and it works alongside its sister ship, HMS Tamar. Both ships are in the second year of a five-year deployment from Portsmouth. They collaborate with UK allies across the region on a multitude of security issues, as well as focusing on environmental challenges like illegal fishing, plastic pollution, and climate change.
Fascinating place with a long and interesting history of struggle to distinguish itself from the Dutch majority and come into existence. Tiny country, member of the UN, a parliamentary democracy the size of Wales with 19 languages, lots of natural resources and a strategic location. By law 1/3 or MPs must be women. Nice to see Spey visit.
A Dutch majority? There never was one. Timor Leste was a Portuguese colony until 1975 (the Western part belonged to the Dutch East Indies and became part of Indonesia after independence). I agree it’s a fascinating place and I have nothing but respect for their long struggle for liberation from Indonesian rule.
Apologies, I was unclear there. By majority as you say, I meant the rest of the island.
No apologies needed!
Portuguese arrived in 1512.
Hope BAE is also working at getting more sales of the Rivers and or T31/A140’s in the SE Asia region during their 5 year deployment.