DILI, 14 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta embarked on historic first state visit to Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Upon his arrival, President Ramos-Horta will be received by Honorable Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and welcomed with full state honors at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
On december 15, President Ramos-Horta will hold a private meeting with Honorable Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus (Prime Minister), followed by bilateral discussions between the two countries’ delegations. The leaders will witness the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on a Visa Waiver Agreement and Regular Foreign Office Consultation, followed by a Joint Press Conference. The establishment of an Honorary Consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh is also expected to be announced during the visit.
In the evening, President Ramos-Horta will attend a state banquet hosted by the Honorable Chief Adviser at the Ballroom, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.
On december 16, President Ramos-Horta will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay respects to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
President Horta will have a meeting with the Honorable President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, at Bangabhaban. Both leaders will attend the reception ceremony to celebrate the 54th Victory Day of Bangladesh. The ceremony will include the playing of both countries’ national anthems, beginning with Bangladesh’s followed by Timor-Leste’s.
On december 17, President Ramos-Horta will deliver a public lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World.” The President will also hold a town hall meeting with students and youth leaders, sharing his experiences of Timor-Leste’s independence struggle, leadership journey, and the nation’s post-independence aspirations.
“This historic visit to Bangladesh represents more than just a diplomatic engagement – it is a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations and Bangladesh’s crucial role in supporting Timor-Leste’s journey to peace and stability,” said President Ramos-Horta. “As we strengthen our bilateral ties, we look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation that will benefit both our peoples and contribute to regional prosperity.”
The first state visit of President Ramos-Horta to Bangladesh underscores the growing partnership between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh, particularly as Timor-Leste approaches full ASEAN membership in 2025-26, opening new possibilities for regional cooperation and dialogue.
TATOLI