DILI, 17 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta delivered a lecture titled “Peace in the Contemporary World” at the Bangladesh International and Strategic Studies Institute (BIISS) in Dhaka.
In his discourse, President Horta spoke about various global conflicts, including the Ukraine-Russia war, crises in Syria and Israel-Palestine, and the situation in Myanmar. He emphasized the role of the United Nations Security Council and criticized world leaders for their failures in conflict prevention.
The President also highlighted the significance of regional cooperation, expressing optimism about Timor-Leste’s anticipated accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The Head of State also addressed the Rohingya crisis, underlining the need to resolve this issue to ensure regional stability.
President Ramos-Horta praised Bangladesh’s Chief Government Counselor (Interim PM) Professor Muhammad Yunus for his global efforts to reduce poverty through microcredit initiatives. The Head of State recalled when he invited Professor Yunus to Timor-Leste in 2004 to introduce microcredit and mark the beginning of such programs in Timor-Leste.
Reflecting on Timor-Leste’s progress since independence in 2002, President Horta noted significant advances, including nearly 97% electricity coverage of the total Timorese population and an increase in life expectancy from the 60s to over 70 years.
During his visit, President Ramos-Horta’s afternoon agenda included holding a seminar with students and youth leaders to emphasize the importance of leadership among youth in addressing current domestic and international challenges.
The program began with the Timorese anthem “Oh… Timor” sung by Mr. Ego Lemos, who serves as Special Envoy and Goodwill Ambassador for Environment and Water Resources.
Afterward, President Horta also held an audience with ten Timorese students currently studying at universities in Bangladesh. The students were excited to directly meet the Republic’s President and a global leader, sharing their experiences and concerns.
The Head of State and Nobel Peace Laureate J. Ramos-Horta’s visit to Bangladesh emphasizes the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and collaborative efforts to resolve global challenges.
TATOLI
