Graham was delighted to take part in the celebrations of the 11th anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
Graham said: “I am very pleased that here in the North West of England we are able to welcome people from such a unique part of South East Asia.
“It is sometimes easy to take for granted the democratic state we have here, which has been the model for so many countries across the world. We can look across the world and still see many people fighting for their democratic rights, and I am very happy to celebrate East Timor’s 11th year of independence.
“The Timorese people have such a varied and interesting heritage which unites South East Asian and Portuguese culture. I am very proud to represent such a varied and interesting constituency and I am very pleased to celebrate the anniversary of East Timor’s independence in my own constituency.”