DILI, 12 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, has today left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen bilateral relations with the UAE, one of the richest, most tolerant, and most liberal countries in the Gulf region. The Head of State’s official visit to will take place between october 13-15.
In early 2023, President Horta visited Qatar where he participated in the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Summit.
“With this visit, the two countries intend to explore ways to strengthen their bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of investment promotion, hydrocarbons, and food security,” said the President of the Republic.
During this visit, the President of the Republic will have a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, His Majesty Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister of Dubai, who is also Vice President and the “Ruler of Dubai”, among other high-ranking officials of the country.
The President will also have the opportunity to meet with the private sector, in particular in the areas of investment, and will visit the refinery facilities in Abu Dhabi.
The official agenda also includes a dinner with the Secretary General of the Zayed Award of Human Fraternity, Judge Abdusalam.
By the end of this year, Timor-Leste will open a diplomatic representation in Abu Dhabi, thus reinforcing the country’s presence in the region.
After the official visit, in the same city, the President of the Republic, at the invitation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – UNCTAD, will still participate in a summit entitled “Global Leaders Investment Summit”, being one of the main speakers.
“This participation serves as an opportunity to share with world leaders Timor-Leste’s vision for sustainable development, presenting the progress made in the transformation of national structures, as well as exploring ways to address current challenges,” said the President.
The President will also participate in a roundtable on the topic “Small Island Developing States and Investment Guarantees”, between October 16-17.
On october 18, the President and the delegation will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they will participate in the ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit on october 20. On the sidelines of this summit, President Horta will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of the Gulf States.
“Timor-Leste, an observer member of ASEAN, assumes as one of its commitments to ensure its presence and participation in all ASEAN summits. In addition, this summit provides opportunities, especially to establish high-level contacts with the leaders of this region.”
The GCC includes the States of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
During this visit, the President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, and the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, and their respective delegations.
The President and the delegation are scheduled to return to Timor-Leste on october 22.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
