The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste today ended its operations, in line with the expiration of its mandate and amidst significant progress made in establishing peace and security in the country.

As the United Nations winds down its peacekeeping operation in Timor-Leste, the Security Council today applauded the “remarkable achievements” made by the small south-east Asian country as it transitioned over the past decade from a colonial enclave to an independent and democratic State.

On an official visit to the Timor-Leste this week, members of the Security Council praised the “historic milestones” achieved by the southeast Asian nation since it restored independence in 2002, and reiterated the support of the United Nations as the country faces new challenges.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today praised the people of Timor-Leste for the progress they have made ten years after the country’s restoration of independence, commending the Government for consolidating a security sector that will be able to protect the country as the United Nations peacekeeping mission prepares to leave at the end of the year.