President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, today (August 10, 2024), marking the final leg of her State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. This historic visit is the first by an Indian Head of State to Timor-Leste.
In a warm welcome, President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste personally received President Murmu at the airport, where she was greeted by cheerful children along the route.
At the Government Palace, President Murmu met with President Ramos-Horta, where they discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Timor-Leste. President Murmu emphasized the potential for collaboration in areas such as IT, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and capacity building. She reassured President Ramos-Horta of India’s commitment to being a steadfast partner in Timor-Leste’s development.
In recognition of her contributions to public service, education, social welfare, and women’s empowerment, President Murmu was honored with the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the nation’s highest civilian award. She expressed that this honor reflects the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Later, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste met with President Murmu to discuss a range of issues, including defense and security cooperation, connectivity, trade, and tourism. The two leaders witnessed the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering cultural exchanges, collaboration between Prasar Bharati and Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL), and visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports. President Murmu expressed confidence that these agreements would further solidify bilateral relations.
President Murmu also participated as a special guest on the popular “Horta Show,” hosted by President José Ramos-Horta on Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL). During the conversation, she spoke about her life journey, India’s rich cultural heritage, government initiatives for empowering marginalized communities, and her vision for women’s empowerment.
The President then attended a reception for the Indian community in Timor-Leste, hosted by the Indian Ambassador. In her address, she praised the small but dynamic Indian community for their role in fostering cooperation and goodwill between the two nations. She encouraged them to continue playing an active part in enhancing India-Timor-Leste relations.
The day concluded with a banquet hosted by President José Ramos-Horta at Palacio Nobre De Lohane in honor of President Murmu. In her remarks, President Murmu reiterated India’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Timor-Leste and globally, in line with the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
President Murmu will return to New Delhi tomorrow (August 11, 2024) after successfully concluding her three-nation State Visit. She was accompanied by Minister of State Shri George Kurian and Lok Sabha MPs Shri Saumitra Khan and Shri Jugal Kishore.
