Yesterday, August 11^th, 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, concluded her official visit to Timor-Leste, the first by an Indian Head of State. During her stay, high-level meetings were held, resulting in important bilateral agreements and strengthening relations between the two countries. 

The visit began on August 10^th with an official reception at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, where President Murmu was welcomed by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta. This was followed by a bilateral meeting in which cooperation in various areas such as technology, agriculture, health, defence, infrastructure and education were discussed. During this meeting, President Ramos-Horta decorated President Murmu with the Order of Timor-Leste medal, Grand Collar, in recognition of her leadership and contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries. The future premises of the Embassies of Timor-Leste in India and India in Timor-Leste were also discussed. 

Afterwards, the President of India visited the Government Palace, where she met with the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in the presence of several members of the 9th Constitutional Government. At this meeting, three agreements were signed: a Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Cultural Exchange Program for 2024-2028, and a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Broadcasting between Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL) and India’s Prasar Bharati. 

During the meeting with the Indian Head of State, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed his gratitude for India’s support for Timor-Leste during the struggle for independence, highlighting continued cooperation in strategic areas such as education, health and agriculture.

Before the official dinner in her honour, offered by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, at the Lahane Noble Palace, the President of India took part in the “Horta Show” talk show, held in the Noble Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. This event provided a platform to discuss regional and international cooperation, emphasising Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, scheduled for 2025, which has India’s strong support. 

This visit is part of a series of visits to the Pacific region, including visits to Fiji and New Zealand.