DILI, 21 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Indonesia and non-resident Ambassador to Timor-Leste, for the implementation of the “Female Students Housing and Social Facilities Project” in Timor-Leste.
The signing ceremony, held on 20 May 2026, was witnessed by José Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic, and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The project, generously supported under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, aims to promote and enhance access to education for Timorese girls through the construction of a modern and safe residential complex and integrated social facilities.
Speaking during the ceremony, President José Ramos-Horta highlighted that the initiative reflects the longstanding friendship and solidarity between Timor-Leste and the United Arab Emirates. The President recalled that the idea emerged from his concern over the difficult and precarious living conditions faced by many young Timorese female students pursuing higher education in Dili.
He noted that the project will provide a safe, dignified, and modern environment for approximately 300 female university students, particularly those pursuing studies in science, technology, medicine, economics, and information technology.
President Ramos-Horta also praised the humanitarian vision and global leadership of the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to peace, tolerance, education, and human fraternity. He further welcomed the UAE’s plan to establish its future Embassy in Dili, which he described as another important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In his remarks, Ambassador Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri stated that the project reflects the UAE leadership’s strong commitment to supporting sustainable development, education, and humanitarian cooperation worldwide.
He stressed that the initiative represents another historic milestone in the growing partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Timor-Leste, grounded in friendship, mutual respect, solidarity, and shared belief in the transformative power of education and human dignity.
Ambassador AlDhaheri further underlined that the integrated housing complex, which includes social and medical service facilities, seeks to nurture future generations of qualified academic talents and national leaders who can contribute actively to the sustainable development of Timor-Leste.
He also reaffirmed the UAE’s appreciation for Timor-Leste’s friendship, principled positions, and support in international forums.
The ceremony concluded with the official groundbreaking of the project attended by President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Richard Donald Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense of Australia, members of the Government, representatives of State institutions, Ambassadors, and distinguished guests.
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