Dili (Timor-Leste): India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on a shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism, President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday, as she held extensive discussions with her counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta on enhancing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
Murmu arrived here on Saturday on the first-ever presidential visit from India to Timor-Leste. Murmu received the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest honour from Ramos-Horta. President Murmu announced that India will soon be opening a Resident Mission in Dili.
She was accorded a ceremonial reception and guard of honour in the Presidential Palace, Dili. "India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on our shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries," she said.
"I had extensive discussions with President Ramos-Horta today on enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor-Leste in the fields of IT, digital technology, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, capacity building and more," she said. "President Droupadi Murmu held (a) bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste. Underlining the strong connect between the two democratic nations, both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral cooperation," her office said in a post on X.
Later, President Murmu was called on by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, with whom she discussed bilateral relations as the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to warm and friendly ties. "Taking forward India-Timor Leste ties! President Droupadi Murmu held discussions with PM Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste in Dili. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and reaffirmed (their) commitment to warm and friendly ties," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
President Murmu said that India and Timor-Leste enjoy a "warm and cordial relationship" based on shared values of democracy and plurality. "Both leaders held talks on wide-ranging issues," her office said in an X post. Three Agreements were also exchanged in the areas of cultural exchanges, radio broadcasting, and visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, it said.
In her address earlier, she said that India will soon be opening a Resident Mission in Dili. "We also look forward to Timor-Leste opening its Resident Mission in New Delhi," she said. "I want to assure you that the Delhi-Dili connect will only get stronger in the time to come," she added.
Murmu was also conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, by Ramos-Horta. She said the honour is a reflection of the deep bond of friendship between India and Timor-Leste. "President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu," her office said.
"The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women," it said. Murmu also paid floral tributes to former Indian president V V Giri on his birth anniversary at Dili. Earlier, Murmu arrived here on the last leg of her three-nation visit which also took her to New Zealand and Fiji.
"President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste on the last leg of her three-nation visit," the President's Office said in a post on X. In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Ramos-Horta at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport.
The president will also attend a community reception with the Indians in Timor-Leste and Friends of India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
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