DILI, 14 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, met with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation—particularly in science, technology, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Minister Freitas said these sectors were previously identified as strategic priorities during discussions between President José Ramos-Horta and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held during the Head of State’s recent state visit to Gujarat, India.
“We focused on expanding collaboration in science, technology, and pharmaceuticals, in line with the priorities discussed during the President’s visit to India,” said Freitas in a statement.
During the meeting, Minister Margherita congratulated Timor-Leste on its progress toward ASEAN membership, and expressed optimism that the country could officially join the regional bloc as early as October this year.
Present at the meeting were Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Malaysia Lisualdo Gaspar, Ambassador to ASEAN Natércia Coelho, and Director-General for ASEAN Affairs Elisa da Silva.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
