Jose Ramos-Horta

Date of Birth: December 26, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

José Ramos-Horta is a renowned East Timorese politician, diplomat, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Born on December 26, 1949, in Dili, East Timor, Ramos-Horta played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from Indonesian occupation. Ramos-Horta’s early life was marked by political activism. He fled East Timor in 1975, following the Indonesian invasion, and spent the next 24 years in exile, tirelessly advocating for East Timorese independence on the international stage. He was a prominent figure in the diplomatic efforts that eventually led to a United Nations-sponsored referendum in 1999, in which the East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence. In recognition of his efforts, Ramos-Horta was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, alongside Bishop Carlos Belo. After East Timor gained formal independence in 2002, he served as the country’s Foreign Minister and later as Prime Minister. In 2007, he was elected President of East Timor, a position he held until 2012. Ramos-Horta has continued to be an influential figure in East Timorese politics and international diplomacy, including his recent return to the presidency in 2022.

5 Interesting Facts about Jose Ramos-Horta

1. José Ramos-Horta was one of the founding members of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN).

2. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 for his efforts in promoting peace and seeking a fair and just solution to the conflict in East Timor.

3. Ramos-Horta survived an assassination attempt in 2008, where he was critically injured and required extensive medical treatment.

4. He has held multiple key government positions, including Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and President of East Timor.

5. Ramos-Horta is a polyglot, fluent in several languages including Portuguese, English, French, and Tetum.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jose Ramos-Horta

1. “Peace is a never-ending process… It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.”

2. “Dialogue and education for peace can help free our hearts from the impulse toward intolerance and hate.”

3. “The future of East Timor is in our hands, but we must work together to build that future.”

4. “The greatest weapon of mass destruction is poverty.”

5. “The people of East Timor have shown the world their courage and their commitment to peace and justice.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

José Ramos-Horta has not publicly disclosed his net worth. As a public servant and advocate, his financial achievements are not widely documented, and his focus has primarily been on political and humanitarian work rather than personal wealth accumulation.