This was the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to Timor-Leste
President Droupadi Murmu who landed in Dili, Timor-Leste on Saturday on the final leg of her three-nation visit, was awarded the Grand-Collar of the Order, the Southeast Asian nation’s highest civilian honour by her counterpart José Ramos-Horta.

The award was bestowed upon President Murmu in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare, and empowerment of women.

Expressing her happiness, President Murmu said the honour reflected deep friendship between India and Timor-Leste.

During the meeting with her Timor-Leste counterpart, she discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor-Leste.

She said India has 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.

Earlier on her arrival, President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste at the airport, while cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport.

Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also called on President Murmu and 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.

President Murmu 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, President Murmu 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,” President Murmu said.

She assured that India will continue to be a force for global peace and shared prosperity, in keeping with its ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.