Timor-Leste President’s visit strengthens bilateral ties with Bangladesh
A Joint Communique was issued focusing on the key agreements and discussions during the visit
The President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta, concluded his four-day official visit to Bangladesh today (17 December), at the invitation of Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus.
A Joint Communique was issued focusing on the key agreements and discussions during the visit.
President Ramos-Horta paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971 and the July-August Revolution of 2024, acknowledging their sacrifices for a discrimination-free Bangladesh. He also expressed gratitude for Bangladesh's contribution to Timor-Leste's peacekeeping efforts in 2002.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Both leaders expressed satisfaction over growing relations and discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, cultural exchange, education, disaster management, and poverty alleviation through microfinance.
They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism and an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Highlighting areas such as food security, health, ICT, aquaculture, and higher education, the leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration through bilateral consultations.
The issue of 200-300 Bangladeshi expatriates living in Timor-Leste was also addressed, with discussions on long-term stay permits and work permits under local law.
Bangladesh sought Timor-Leste's support for the repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), urging active engagement in international fora for their safe return. Both leaders agreed that the solution to the Rohingya crisis lies with Myanmar.
Addressing global security challenges, including climate change, poverty, and human trafficking, the two sides emphasised joint efforts under international frameworks like the United Nations.
They expressed concern over conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, reaffirming their support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
The leaders also called for global financial solidarity, urging OECD countries to allocate 1% of their GDP to official development assistance (ODA) to help vulnerable nations combat poverty, food insecurity, and climate challenges.
The maiden visit as the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, to the People's Republic of Bangladesh ushered in a new era in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Both leaders expressed optimism for continued cooperation to achieve mutual growth and development.
