Page 57 - IN Diplomacy Annual 2017

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE

Celebration of 15th Anniversary of Restoration of WomenLEAP: A Fireside Chat with Ambassador Magno
Independence Day & 15 years of Diplomatic Relations
WomenLEAP event was organized for Ambassador Magno to share
The Embassy together with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of her experience on the struggle for self-determination and country
Timor-Leste jointly organised an evening cocktail reception to celebrate development. Ambassador spoke about her teenage years in Indonesia
Timor-Leste’s 15-year Anniversary of Restoration of Independence Day and how she was involved as human rights activist for the case of
and 15 years of diplomatic relations with Singapore. Guests of honour Timor-Leste. The chat was led by the Managing Director of APCO
were Timor-Leste’s Tourism Minister, H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and Worldwide Washington DC, Ms Lisa Ross, with different women
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Charles Chong. Timor-Leste’s Member networks in Singapore. It is considered as a platform from which
of Parliament (MP) Jacinta Pereira and Benedita Magno, Singapore’s MPs women can accelerate their careers by involving, engaging an inspiring
Cheryl Chan and Yee Chia Hsing, were also present. Singapore President Dr each other. There were many good expressions about the Ambassador’s
Tony Tan Keng Yam wrote a congratulatory letter to Timor-Leste President intervention.
H.E. Dr Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo and reaffirmed both countries close (Photo above right): Ms. Ross and Ambassador Adaljiza Magno at the
relations as well as Singapore’s support for Timor-Leste’s capacity building Park Royal at Pickering Hotel-Singapore.
through the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
Timor-Leste: New Embassy Premise
(Photo above left): MP Ms Cheryl Chan, MP Mr Yee Chia Hsing, Deputy
Speaker Charles Chong, H.E. (non-resident) Ambassador Sudesh Maniar, It is for the first time that the Government of the Democratic Republic
H.E. Tourism Minister Kalbuadi Lay, of Timor-Leste purchased the country’s own overseas property for its
Diplomatic representation. The property purchased is located at 140
(Photo above middle): Chairman of Singapore Tourism Board Mr Chaly Robinson Road, Crown @ Robinson building. The Embassy of the
Mah, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture H.E. Mr Francisco Kalbuady Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Singapore officially moved into
Lay, Ambassador of Timor-Leste H.E. Adaljiza Magno, Ambassador of the new Chancery on 14th September 2017, after all interior designing
Indonesia H.E. Ngurah Swajaya, Mrs Swi Swajaya, Honorary Consul of and building works were completed.
Luxembourg Ms Michelle Liem

CELEBRATION DISHES OF THE WORLD

Ikan Pepes

A whole fish cooked in a spicy curry and tamarind sauce. The fish is first steamed in a banana leaf and
then grilled for that wonderful smoky flavour only a grill can provide. Cooking a whole fish with the
head on can be a little intimidating at first, but once over it, you can savour it as it is mighty tasty!. Serve
with some white rice for a lovely East Timorese meal. The recipe serves 4.

Photo and recipe source: Ingredients • 1 small, ripe tomato
www.internationalcuisine.com • 2lb whole fresh Red Snapper or similar fish • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• Banana leaves • ½ teaspoon dried shrimp paste
For curry paste • 1 tablespoon finely chopped palm sugar
• 1 Tablespoon tamarind pulp, soaked 5 minutes.
• 2 Tablespoons warm water (brown sugar can be substituted)
• 6-10 large chili’s, chopped • ½ cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 1 stem lemongrass (only the inner part of the For fish pre marinade
• 1 lime sliced in half
bottom 10 cm), thinly sliced • 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 candlenuts

Method
1) Score the fish several times and marinate it with salt and lime rubbed into the surface.
2) Grind all of the curry ingredients in a processor till they are smooth (about 2 minutes).
3) Rinse the banana leaves and place about â…“ of the curry in the bottom of the sheet of banana leaf. Rub about â…“ of the curry into the belly of the
fish. Ladle the remaining ⅓ of the curry over the fish and seal up the “packet”.
4) Use soaked string as necessary to seal the packet. Steam for 20 minutes in a bamboo steamer. I would highly recommend using a fish grill plate
as the fish will be tender and fall apart easily. Grill for an additional 6 minutes. Unwrap the packet and serve over rice with chopped basil.

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