DILI, 17 january 2025 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic Jose Ramos Horta joined Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenli and members of the Chinese community today to celebrate the Lunar New Year at a Spring Festival event in Dili. In his address, the President extended warm wishes for the Year of the Snake and emphasized the significance of Chinese cultural heritage in Timor-Leste.
During his speech, Ramos-Horta highlighted the elevation of Timor-Leste and China’s relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following his meeting with President Xi Jinping in 2024. He also noted the signing of crucial agreements in July 2024 focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and digital economy cooperation, which he said are vital for the nation’s development.
The President expressed gratitude for China’s contributions through the Belt and Road Initiative and conveyed solidarity with those affected by the recent earthquake in Tibet Province. Looking ahead, he identified renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, cultural exchange, and education as key areas for future collaboration, particularly as Timor-Leste advances its integration into ASEAN and the WTO.
In his concluding remarks, Ramos-Horta praised the Chinese community’s contributions to Timorese society, acknowledging their role in enriching the nation through their dynamism, culture, and entrepreneurship. The celebration, themed “Experiencing the beauty of Chinese Art and Culture,” showcased the strong cultural bonds between the two nations.
TATOLI
