DILI, 12 May 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic Jose Ramos-Horta met with PNG Governor-General Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae at Government House today as part of his historic State Visit and participation in the Melanesian Oceans Summit.
The two leaders celebrated the deep cultural and ancestral connections between Timor-Leste and the Melanesian people, with the President emphasizing that many Timorese share Malay-Polynesian and Melanesian heritage.
During the meeting, President Ramos-Horta also expressed gratitude for PNG’s steadfast support of Timor-Leste’s recent full membership in ASEAN, noting the vast economic and strategic opportunities this integration provides.
The discussion focused on shared environmental priorities, specifically the protection of tropical rainforests and the promotion of sustainable ocean governance. Beyond environmental policy, the leaders explored practical bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
President Ramos-Horta proposed a partnership to exchange medical professionals and share expertise in eradicating tropical diseases like malaria and rabies, highlighting a mutual commitment to improving the livelihoods and health of their respective populations.
The Head of State extended an official invitation for the Governor-General to visit Timor-Leste and expressed his own desire to return to PNG to explore the Highlands.
Highlighting the cultural affinity between the two countries, the President noted the immense popularity of PNG music in Timor-Leste and announced plans to invite musicians from Papua New Guinea to perform in Dili. This cultural exchange aims to strengthen people-to-people ties alongside formal diplomatic and environmental collaboration.
TATOLI
