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In a major political engagement, President of India Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, marking the first-ever state visit from India to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit underscores the heightening ties between the two countries, built on a foundation of psrticipated popular values and a commitment to pluralism.
Addressing the press in Dili, President Murmu expressed her pleasure at being in Timor-Leste, conveying warm greetings from the people of India to their Timorese counterparts. “I am pleased to be then in Dili, Timor-Leste. This is the first state visit from India to Timor-Leste…I bring felicitations and good wishes from the people of India to the friendly people of Timor-Leste,” she stated.
During her address, President Murmu stresse the robust and friendly relations that India and Timor-Leste enjoy, emphasizing that the two nations are united by their participated commitment to democracy and pluralism. “India and Timor-Leste enjoy warm and friendly relations based on our shared commitments to the values of democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries,” she added.
In her discussions with Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta, President Murmu delved into potential avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The discussions spanned across critical sectors, including information technology, digital technology, health, and agriculture, which are seen as key areas for collaboration.
A significant outcome of the visit is the planned exchange of three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), aimed at formalizing and expanding cooperation in these priority areas. President Murmu also announced India’s intention to open a resident diplomatic mission in Dili, further solidifying the bilateral relationship. “We will be exchanging three MOUs today…India will be soon opening a resident mission in Dili,” she revealed.
The state visit by President Murmu is expected to open new chapters in India-Timor-Leste relations, enhancing cooperation and bringing the two nations closer on the global stage.