Ray Lilley, Wellington – East Timor President Xanana Gusmao has called on the international community not to forget his tiny new nation, which became the 191st member of the United Nations in late May.

On his first official visit to New Zealand, Gusmao said countries like it could help ensure East Timor is "not forgotten" and that "our brothers in the international community don't leave us alone" as the former Indonesian territory rebuilds.

He also stressed the importance of reducing tensions along the border with Indonesia. "What we need, besides growing the economic capacity of our people, is stability. It is fundamental for us, stability," Gusmao told reporters at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Helen Clark.

After East Timor voted in August 1999 for independence from Jakarta, pro-Indonesian militias slaughtered hundreds and burnt down most of the capital, Dili.

Gusmao said that despite his country's "very, very poor conditions," many of its residents had told him his government should give top priority to education for their children.

Earlier, Gusmao received a full ceremonial welcome as a head of state. The ceremony marked the start of a four-day visit that included a formal state luncheon at Parliament in Wellington and talks with Prime Minister Clark. Clark said her government is keen to respond to the needs of the new East Timorese government.

New Zealand was focusing on eradicating poverty through basic programs of clean water supply, basic sanitation, basic education and development at village level, she said.

Speaking at the state luncheon, Gusmao thanked New Zealand for committing troops to peacekeeping efforts in East Timor and for helping train East Timorese in the task of running their nation.

The president leaves New Zealand on Saturday for the United States, where he is scheduled to make his country's first speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27 as the body's newest member.

He will also meet US President George W Bush on October 2 in Washington. Gusmao said when he meets Bush, he will "ask the United States to help us ... to eradicate poverty. By eradicating poverty we can participate in our region." From Washington, he flies to Portugal for a five-day official visit before returning to East Timor.