President José Ramos-Horta conferring the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President of India Droupadi Murmu in Dili today.
Dili: President José Ramos-Horta conferred the ‘Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste’, the country’s highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu, who arrived here today on the final leg of her State visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste.
The award was in recognition of Murmu’s achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women. She said that the honour reflects the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste.
This was the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to this country and in a special gesture, President José Ramos-Horta was himself at the airport to receive her.
During their meeting at the Government Palace, both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Murmu identified opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas like IT, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and capacity building. She assured President Horta that India would remain a steadfast partner of Timor-Leste and we would do all that was possible to enhance the development cooperation and other partnerships.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also called on Murmu and 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 requirements 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 Murmu participated as special guest in the popular programme “Horta Show”, hosted by President José Ramos-Horta on Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL). In an engaging and unique conversation, she spoke eloquently about her life journey, the rich cultural heritage of India, initiatives taken by the Government of India to empower marginalised communities, and her vision for women’s empowerment.
She also attended a reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Timor-Leste. Addressing the gathering there, she said that the Indian community in Timor-Leste was small but dynamic, and effective in building cooperation with India. “They are a vital force, bridging cultures and fostering goodwill beyond the borders,” she said and 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.
– global bihari bureau
