Speaking from the Presidential Palace on Friday, Taur Matan Ruak praised Gusmao, the current Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, for his commitment to improving Timor-Leste.

 Ruak said he and Xanana had maintained vast differences of opinion about independence of their country and its development throughout the 24-year struggle for independence and post independence, but their fight was never personal.

 “Behind we always embrace each other,” Ruak said.

 The president used the example to condemn the rise of “enemy” style politics, saying criticism of policy was healthy, but making it personal was counter productive to progress of the country.