Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Timor Leste, José Ramos Horta, delivered the 2012 Sir James Plimsoll lecture at the University of Tasmania on 8 October.

Dr Ramos-Horta spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing Timor Leste. He reflected on his time as Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and President of Timor Leste, and spoke of his pride at the peace and stability his country had achieved ten years after gaining its independence.

Dr Ramos-Horta commended the excellent bilateral relationship between Timor Leste and Australia, noting the close and cooperative government relationship was augmented by deep and "remarkable" people-to-people links.

The annual Plimsoll Lecture honours the legacy of Sir James Plimsoll, one of Australia's most distinguished diplomats who served as Secretary of the Department of External Affairs from 1965-1970, as well as Head of Mission in a most impressive range of our key overseas posts. He later served as the highly popular and respected Governor of Tasmania from 1982-1987.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is proud to present the annual Plimsoll lecture in association with the University of Tasmania and the Tasmania Branch of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.