Finance
President Droupadi Murmu wrapped up her three-nation visit on Sunday, adding renewed momentum to the bilateral ties with Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste.
“President Droupadi Murmu wraps up a successful visit to Timor-Leste, adding renewed momentum to the bilateral ties. In a special gesture, President Jose Ramos-Horta accorded a warm send-off to President Murmu at the airport,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X.
President Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Saturday for the final phase of her three-nation tour, marking the Indian head of state’s first visit to the Southeast Asian country. She conducted bilateral discussions with President Horta and East Timor’s Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The discussions emphasized the importance of India and East Timor maintaining a “warm and cordial” relationship based on shared democratic and pluralistic ideals.
The sessions also highlighted the strong bond and cooperation between the two democratic nations, as well as prospects to further bilateral connections. Moreover, the idea of East Timor joining the International Solar Alliance was explored. In addition, three agreements were made during the meeting on cultural exchanges, radio transmission, and visas exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.
President Murmu also met with the Indian community in Dili at a reception held in her honor, and she stated that India would soon open an Embassy in East Timor. President Murmu previously visited Fiji and New Zealand as part of her three-nation trip, where she reviewed bilateral relations and collaboration in a variety of sectors.
The MEA stated earlier this week that President Murmu’s State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste demonstrates the importance India places on its bilateral relations with these countries and reflects New Delhi’s strong focus on the Act East policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ninth East Asia Summit in 2014.
Source:IANS
