Image Credit: CGTN
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta is scheduled to make a state visit to China from July 28 to 31, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as confirmed by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Friday. This visit is notable as it will be Ramos-Horta’s first trip to China since he began his presidency in 2022 and will also mark the first state visit by a president of Timor-Leste since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 2002.
The visit will feature a formal welcome ceremony and a state banquet hosted by President Xi for Ramos-Horta. The two leaders are anticipated to engage in high-level discussions aimed at advancing their bilateral relations. Additionally, Ramos-Horta will have separate meetings with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, as noted by another Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
Mao underscored that China was the first country to officially recognize Timor-Leste’s independence and to establish diplomatic relations with it. Over the past 22 years, the relationship between the two countries has developed steadily and positively. A key milestone occurred last September when President Xi and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, signalling a deeper and more collaborative phase in their diplomatic engagement.
The upcoming visit is seen as a crucial opportunity to further solidify the longstanding friendship between China and Timor-Leste. It is expected to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the goals of their comprehensive strategic partnership. The visit aims to build upon the robust foundation of their bilateral relations and explore new prospects for collaboration, reinforcing the growing ties between the two nations.