DILI, 02 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh in a meeting with his Timorese counterpart, Bendito Freitas coveyed India’s commitment to continue supporting Timor-Leste.
“Minister Singh is visiting Timor-Leste with a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, especially to open the Indian Embassy in Dili,” Minister Freitas told reporters after a meeting with Minister Singh, in Dili, today.
Freitas said that the establishment of India’s Embassy in Dili is crucial for Timor-Leste to maximize its bilateral relations with India.
Freitas emphasized that India remained one of the most important countries for Timor-Leste in the region.
He said that India will continue to offer scholarships for young Timorese to pursue their higher education in Indian universities.
“India is also interested in cooperating with Timor-Leste in the health sector to open a pharmaceutical factory in the country,” Freitas said.
On the same day, Minister Singh also met with Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão where the two leaders discussed the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Dili.
During his meeting Prime Minister, Singh said that the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Dili is important to deepening the bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas, including education, research, petrochemicals, and oil and gas exploration: “It’s an honor to meet with Prime Minister Gusmão.”
Singh said that India is strongly committed to sharing its experience and expertise to bring development to the Timorese people.
Singh and Gusmão also touched on Timor-Leste’s bid for ASEAN membership, in which India endorsed Timor’s commitment to building strong relations with other ASEAN countries.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
