After NZ, Fiizi tour, President of India visits Timor-Leste

Fiji, Aug 10:  President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Timor-Leste, marking the final leg of her significant three-nation tour, following her visits to New Zealand and Fiji. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Furthering the Delhi-Dili connect! President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili for the first-ever Head of State level visit from India to Timor-Leste. In a special gesture, President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste warmly received President Murmu at the airport."

During her visit, President Murmu is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta and will also meet Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Additionally, she will attend a community reception with Indians residing in Timor-Leste and Friends of India, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Prior to the visit, MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar informed that India is set to establish an embassy in Dili soon. In a reciprocal move, Timor-Leste has also announced its intention to open an embassy in New Delhi.

This visit follows seven months after the President of Timor-Leste visited India, where he attended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Before visiting Timor-Leste, President Murmu visited New Zealand, where she had meaningful discussions with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. The talks focused on enhancing bilateral ties, with a special emphasis on the role of the Indian diaspora. During her visit, President Murmu announced the opening of a Consulate in Auckland to strengthen diplomatic relations further.

In Fiji, where she was invited by President Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President Murmu became the first Indian head of state to visit the archipelago nation. The visit was highlighted by discussions on deepening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and an agreement to build upon historic ties. President Murmu was also honoured with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the country's highest civilian award, and addressed the Fijian Parliament and the Indian community in Fiji.