Government of Timor-Leste

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, accompanied the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, during his official visit to India to participate in the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, taking place from January 10^th to 12^th, 2024, in the Indian state of Gujarat. 

The main objectives of this visit include promoting business and investment opportunities in Timor-Leste and strengthening diplomatic relations with India. Bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and India began in 2003. At the recent ASEAN-India Summit in September 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a permanent Indian mission in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste will also soon establish an embassy in the Indian capital.

Organised by the Government of Gujarat in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and iNDEXTb, the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 brings together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss and explore opportunities for sustainable development, economic growth and international cooperation. Initiated in 2003, this event takes place every two years. 

President Ramos-Horta, in his speech at this event, expressed gratitude to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for organising this forum aimed to catalyse business, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships. He highlighted Timor-Leste's peace and stability, positive press freedom rating, and role in international organisations. The President invited investors to invest in the country, highlighting tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, health and agriculture sectors. He also addressed the desire to strengthen relations with India, highlighting bilateral collaboration and India's contribution to stability in Timor-Leste, including support for developing human resources for ASEAN. He ended his speech hoping that this summit would promote fruitful partnerships for global sustainable development and shared prosperity. 

During this period, the Head of State and the Minister, Bendito Freitas, held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Damodardas Modi, to strengthen the bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and India. At the meeting, they discussed supporting Timor-Leste in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, and scholarships, as well as possibilities for private investments, namely in sorghum cultivation and dairy production.