Joint Media Release

29 July 2003

Minister For Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer  Minister For Defence Senator Robert Hill

New UN Peace-Keeping Commander for East Timor

The Australian Government welcomes the announcement of Malaysia’s Lieutenant-General Khairuddin Mat Yusof as the next United Nations Peace-Keeping Force Commander in East Timor.

Lieutenant-General Khairuddin’s appointment is welcomed in view of the important role Malaysia, as a regional neighbour, will continue to play in supporting East Timor in the years ahead. 

Through its contribution of peacekeepers, military observers and police to United Nations missions in East Timor, Malaysia has played an important role in bringing stability to the country.

Australia welcomes the significant cooperation and assistance provided by Malaysia, and other countries in the region, in rebuilding an independent East Timor.

Lieutenant-General Khairuddin is an experienced and highly professional military officer with a solid understanding of United Nations peace-keeping operations. 

He replaces Major-General Tan Huck Gim of Singapore who has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in his command of the peace-keeping force since August 2002.

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