Matribhumi Samachar English
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu reached Dili, Timor-Leste this morning (August 10, 2024) on the final leg of her State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to this country.
In a special gesture, President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport.
At the Government Palace President Murmu met her counterpart President Horta. During the meeting, both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor-Leste. She said that we have ample opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas like IT, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and capacity building. She assured President Horta that India will remain a steadfast partner of Timor-Leste and we will do all that is possible to enhance the development cooperation and other partnerships.
President Horta conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country’s highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu. The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women. President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste.
Both the leaders issued press statements after the meeting.
In the next engagement, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste called on President Droupadi Murmu. Both leaders held talks on wide-ranging issues such as defence and security cooperation, connectivity, trade, and tourism, among others.
President Murmu and Prime Minister Gusmão also witnessed the signing of three MoUs on (i) Cultural Exchanges, (ii) collaboration between Prasar Bharati and ‘Timor-Leste Radio & Television’ (RTTL), (iii) exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports. The President expressed confidence that these MoUs will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In the subsequent engagement, President Droupadi Murmu participated in a television program “President Horta Show” on RTTL hosted by President José Ramos-Horta. In that show, she spoke about her life journey, the rich cultural heritage of India, initiatives taken by the government of India to empower the tribal communities and her vision for women empowerment.
The President graced the Indian community reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Timor-Leste. Addressing the gathering, she said that the Indian community in Timor-Leste is small but dynamic, and effective in building cooperation with India. They are a vital force, bridging cultures and fostering goodwill beyond the borders. She urged them to play an active part in India’s endeavour to increase cooperation with Timor-Leste.
In the last official engagement of the day, President José Ramos-Horta hosted a banquet in honour of President Murmu at Palacio Nobre De Lohane.
In her remarks on the occasion, the President said that India’s commitment to foster stronger ties with Timor-Leste is reflected in our shared goals of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. As we look towards the future, India remains committed to partnering with Timor-Leste in its journey towards progress and development. We will remain committed to build a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable for our people and for generations to come. She assured that India will continue to be a force for global peace and shared prosperity, in keeping with its ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The President will leave for New Delhi tomorrow (August 11, 2024) after the successful completion of her three nations State Visit. She was accompanied by Minister of State Shri George Kurian, and Lok Sabha MPs Shri Saumitra Khan and Shri Jugal Kishore on this visit.
