Ramos-Horta to undertake historic official visit to South Korea
DÍLI, 04 November 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, will undertake an official visit to the Republic of Korea from 5 to 7 November 2026, at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung.
This will mark the first official bilateral visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) by a President of Timor-Leste since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2002.
The visit also takes place ahead of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, representing an important milestone in the longstanding friendship and partnership between the two nations.
Over previous 25 years, including during his time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, President, and former President, Ramos-Horta visited ROK on numerous occasions. He participated twice in the Jeju Global Affairs Forum and spoke in many Universities and was honoured with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by prestigious Korean Universities. President Ramos-Horta, as Foreign Minister, was the one who first began to promote and push for a program of sending young Timorese workers to South Korea. This is now a very successful program with more than 7,000 young Timorese working in fisheries and agriculture sectors.
Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea share a special history of friendship and solidarity. Korea played an important role in supporting Timor-Leste’s transition to independence, including through the deployment of the Sangnoksu (Evergreen) Unit under United Nations peacekeeping operations, electoral assistance and development cooperation. The two countries have also maintained close cooperation in multilateral institutions, including mutual support for international candidatures.
A central highlight of the visit will be the bilateral summit between President Ramos-Horta and President Lee Jae Myung on 6 November in Seoul, followed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, an official state luncheon and a joint press conference. Discussions will focus on strengthening practical cooperation in foreign affairs and security, economic development, investment, intellectual property, climate change, education, employment and people-to-people exchanges, as well as exchanging views on major regional and international developments.
President Ramos-Horta will seek to encourage greater Korean participation in Timor-Leste’s economic development. President will also explore avenues for ambitious government-to-government partnerships with Korean universities to support Timorese students pursuing higher education in science and technology.
The visit will provide an opportunity to express Timor-Leste’s appreciation for Korea’s longstanding development assistance, particularly through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and for the employment and skills development opportunities provided to thousands of Timorese citizens working in Korea.
The two Presidents are also expected to discuss opportunities to strengthen cooperation following Timor-Leste’s historic accession to ASEAN as its eleventh member in October 2025, including through greater economic integration, institutional capacity building, and regional cooperation.
Speaking ahead of the visit, President Ramos-Horta said: “The Republic of Korea has been a longstanding friend and valued partner to Timor-Leste, from the difficult years of our struggle for independence to our ongoing journey of national development. I am particularly grateful for Korea’s solidarity with our people, and for the many opportunities it has provided to young Timorese through education, employment and development cooperation. As we begin a new chapter as ASEAN’s eleventh member, I look forward to meeting President Lee Jae Myung and exploring how we can deepen our partnership, particularly in investment, education, science and technology, for the benefit of both our peoples.”
Programme Highlights
During his official visit, President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to undertake several engagements, including:
• Official Summit with President Lee Jae Myung – Bilateral discussions on strengthening cooperation, followed by an MoU signing ceremony, official state luncheon and joint press conference.
• Visit to Seoul National Cemetery – The President is expected to lay a wreath in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the Republic of Korea, recognising the country’s history and its journey towards peace and prosperity.
• Internet Peace Prize Ceremony – The President is scheduled to participate in the Internet Peace Prize ceremony in Seoul, recognising contributions to peace and international cooperation.
• Honorary Doctorate and Special Lecture at Chung-Ang University – President Ramos-Horta will engage with the academic community and share reflections on Timor-Leste’s journey from conflict to peace, reconciliation and sustainable development.
• Engagements with Korean civil society and prominent international figures – The President is expected to meet with representatives of Korean civil society, academia and international organisations, including individuals who have contributed to peacebuilding, human rights and Timor-Leste’s development.
• Recognition of Korean volunteers and religious leaders – The visit will also provide an opportunity to honour Korean individuals who have made longstanding contributions to the people of Timor-Leste.
The Republic of Korea has been an important partner in Timor-Leste’s development since the restoration of independence in 2002. Through KOICA and other cooperation programmes, Korea has supported initiatives in education, health, agriculture, rural development, infrastructure and institutional capacity building. Korea has also provided significant employment and vocational training opportunities for Timorese citizens.
The official visit is expected to further deepen the trust and friendship between the two countries, strengthen political dialogue and expand practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It will reaffirm Timor-Leste’s commitment to working closely with the Republic of Korea to advance sustainable development, regional peace and shared prosperity.
TATOLI
