DILI, 14 May 2025 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate Jose Ramos‑Horta on Wednesday swore in Karlito Nunes as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor‑Leste to the Republic of India at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Ambassador Nunes brings extensive experience to his new role. Previously serving as Advisor at the Presidency Office’s International Relations Unit (2024-2025) and as the 5th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations (2021-2024), Nunes has dedicated his career to advancing Timor-Leste’s interests on the global stage.
Nunes’ professional background includes distinguished service with prominent international organizations, including 20 years with the International Republican Institute, IRI (where he received the Judy Van Rest Award), the National Democratic Institute, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Mission in East Timor.
“The appointment of Ambassador Karlito Nunes marks a significant milestone in our diplomatic relations with India,” said Horta. “Ambassador Nunes brings the experience, vision, and dedication needed to strengthen the bonds between our nations. As Timor-Leste continues its journey toward greater regional integration and economic development, our partnership with India represents one of our most promising diplomatic relationships.”
Timor-Leste and India have maintained strong bilateral relations since establishing diplomatic ties on January 24, 2003, collaborating across defense, education, health, agriculture, and cultural sectors. The relationship strengthened significantly in 2024, marked by President Ramos-Horta’s participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January, where the President met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss cooperation in petroleum, gas, digitalization, and educational exchanges. This diplomatic momentum continued with the historic first state visit by India’s President to Timor-Leste in August 2024, followed by both nations establishing permanent diplomatic missions—Timor-Leste opening its embassy in New Delhi in October 2024 and India establishing its embassy in Dili in September 2024—demonstrating their mutual commitment to deepening bilateral relations and supporting Timor-Leste’s engagement with ASEAN.
President Ramos-Horta is confident that the appointment of Ambassador Karlito Nunes will further elevate and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, and making the Dili-Delhi connection even stronger.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
