DILI, 29 May 2026 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta on Thursday received Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Stefania Dina at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace for a farewell courtesy call, marking the end of her three-year tenure in Timor-Leste.
During the meeting, the president expressed appreciation for ADB’s continued support for Timor-Leste and praised the strong partnership built during Dina’s mandate.
A key focus of the discussion was ADB’s technical and economic assistance to Timor-Leste since 2012, which the presidency said played an important role in supporting the country’s historic accession to ASEAN.
The dialogue also focused on the nation’s future economic diversification, with the President placing a special emphasis on sustainable agriculture and rural development.
President Ramos-Horta highlighted the critical need to address high transportation costs that hinder local farmers from bringing their produce to Dili’s markets, advocating for solutions that empower rural livelihoods.
Furthermore, the President championed the immense potential of Timor-Leste’s world-class coffee, urging continued international efforts to elevate its global market presence and directly benefit local coffee-growing communities.
Looking ahead, the Head of State welcomed the news that Stefania Dina’s forthcoming assignment at the ADB headquarters in Manila—as Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific on Agriculture and Rural Development—will allow her to remain deeply engaged with Timor-Leste’s agricultural sector.
Having successfully mobilized over $85 million in concessional loans and grants for vital infrastructure, transport, and social protection projects during her term, the Presidency looks forward to an enduring and fruitful cooperation between Timor-Leste and the Asian Development Bank.
TATOLI
