Timor-Leste Holds Dili International Marathon to Support Solidarity for Palestine

DILI, www.news-viptv.com  –  To show solidarity with Palestine, Timor-Leste hold the 2025 Dili International Marathon, Saturday (11 October, 2025).

The 2025 Dili International Marathon, themed “Run for Palestine,” under the patronage of President and Nobel Peace Laureate, H.E. J. Ramos-Horta, is organized in collaboration with the IX Constitutional Government, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, and the Athletics Federation of Timor-Leste. affirmed that athletes and runners participating in the Maratona Internasional Dili 2025 are not only permitted but encouraged to carry Palestinian attributes as a powerful gesture of peace and solidarity.

The theme of this year’s marathon, “Run for Palestine,” was chosen to reflect Timor-Leste’s historic and unwavering commitment to justice, and peace for the people of Palestine. This aligns with the core principles upon which our nation was founded.

“Our own struggle for independence was built on a foundation of international solidarity. It is in that same spirit that we now stand with the people of Palestine,” stated President Ramos-Horta. “The sight of runners carrying the Palestinian flag or wearing its colours through the streets of Dili will be a moving testament to our shared humanity and our collective hope for a just and lasting peace. The marathon is a symbol of endurance and the human spirit, and there is no more fitting way to channel that energy than towards a call for peace and solidarity.”

The Presidential Palace emphasizes that the Dili International Marathon has always been more than a sporting event; it is a platform for promoting global peace, health, and unity. The 2025 edition will harness this platform to amplify a message of support for a cause deeply resonant with the Timorese people.

The 2025 Dili International Marathon looks forward to welcoming local and international participants on October 11, 2025, for a memorable event that celebrates athleticism while championing the universal values of justice and compassion. Let’s Run for Palestine and run for celebrate Timor-Leste Accession to ASEAN.

Waving Palestinian Flag

A small group of Timor-Leste residents took to the streets, waving Palestinian flags and signs reading “We Stand with Palestine” in solidarity with the Palestinian people suffering from the war with Israel.

Nurima Ribeiro Alkatiri, a member of Parliament from the FRETILIN Opposition Faction, stated that Palestine currently needs global solidarity. As a FRETILIN politician whose party has established friendly relations with Palestine, he will help voice the plight of the Palestinian people so that the international community recognizes Palestine as a sovereign state.

“FRETILIN has had a friendship with Palestine since Timor-Leste restored its independence, and in 2004 Timor-Leste declared its recognition of the state of Palestine. I will continue to voice this until the Palestinian people can live freely and enjoy their independence,” said Nurima Alkatiri.

Another resident echoed this sentiment, stating that as a Muslim in Timor-Leste, it is his duty to express solidarity with Palestine, which he believes deserves recognition from various countries for its struggles.

“As a Muslim, of course I support Palestine for the barbarity committed by Israel in Palestinian land, they slaughter innocent children,” commented Nurjanah Ribeiro, a supporter of Palestine.

Timor-Leste currently has bilateral relations with Israel and sends its citizens to Israel for education and training, particularly in agriculture.

As a predominantly Catholic country, Timor-Leste also boasts religious tolerance, allowing its citizens the freedom to engage in activities in accordance with their beliefs, including for Muslims in Timor-Leste.