President Ramos-Horta Embarks on Historic First State Visit to Bangladesh

DHAKA, www.news-viptv.com –  The President of the República. J. Ramos-Horta and the delegation from Timor-Leste arrived in Dhaka on Sunday, December 15, 2024, marking the first state visit between the two nations. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas, the Nobel Peace Laureate was received with full state honors military parade at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Honorable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as Prime Minister.

The diplomatic mission is set to include a private meeting between President Ramos-Horta and Dr. Yunus, followed by bilateral discussions and the signing of two critical Memoranda of Understanding. These agreements will cover a Visa Waiver Agreement and establish Regular Foreign Office Consultations, potentially deepening the diplomatic ties between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh.

President Ramos-Horta also will have a meeting with the Honorable President of Bangladesh, His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin and will attend the reception ceremony to celebrate the 54th Victory Day of Bangladesh.

A key anticipated outcome of the visit is the expected announcement of an Honorary Consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh and important sides meeting. The state visit, running from December 14 to December 17, 2024, represents a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, highlighting our growing international engagement.

On December 15, President Ramos-Horta will hold a private meeting with Honorable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Prime Minister), followed by bilateral discussions between the two countries’ delegations. The leaders will witness the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on a Visa Waiver Agreement and Regular Foreign Office Consultation, followed by a Joint Press Conference. The establishment of an Honorary Consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh is also expected to be announced during the visit.

In the evening, President Ramos-Horta will attend a state banquet hosted by the Honorable Chief Adviser at the Ballroom, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

On December 16, President Ramos-Horta will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay respects to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

President Ramos-Horta will have a meeting with the Honorable President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, at Bangabhaban. Both leaders will attend the reception ceremony to celebrate the 54th Victory Day of Bangladesh. The ceremony will include the playing of both countries’ national anthems, beginning with Bangladesh’s followed by Timor-Leste’s.

On December 17, President Ramos-Horta will deliver a public lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World.” The President will also hold a town hall meeting with students and youth leaders, sharing his experiences of Timor-Leste’s independence struggle, leadership journey, and the nation’s post-independence aspirations.

“This historic visit to Bangladesh represents more than just a diplomatic engagement – it is a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations and Bangladesh’s crucial role in supporting Timor-Leste’s journey to peace and stability,” said President Ramos-Horta. “As we strengthen our bilateral ties, we look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation that will benefit both our peoples and contribute to regional prosperity.”

The first state visit of President Ramos-Horta to Bangladesh underscores the growing partnership between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh, particularly as Timor-Leste approaches full ASEAN membership in 2025-26, opening new possibilities for regional cooperation and dialogue.