The president of East Timor has attended an Easter service in Darwin.

It's his first public outing since an assasination attempt on him last month.

Zoie Jones reports Jose Ramos Horta is recovering in Darwin from gun shot wounds inflicted during the assassination attempt by rebels near his home in Dili last month.

Mr Ramos Horta attended an Easter mass at Darwin's Catholic cathedral.

He says, "I made a point in coming to the cathedral today and to thank the people of Australia, the people of Darwin and thank God for saving my life."

Mr Ramos Horta is living in a private home in Darwin and is expected to return to Dili in the coming weeks.

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