At the official invitation of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta, paid an official visit to Bangladesh from 14 to 17 December.
The visit marked a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations between the two nations, said a join communique on Tuesday (17 December).
During his stay, President Ramos-Horta paid solemn homage to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and the July-August Revolution of 2024, recognising their supreme sacrifice for an independent and discrimination-free Bangladesh.
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the role of Bangladeshi peacekeeping forces during Timor-Leste’s nation-building in 2002.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the steadily growing relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste. They underscored the importance of enhancing economic engagement and harnessing available synergies. In this regard, both sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) and an agreement on the exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports.
Both nations explored avenues to advance cooperation in trade and investment, air services, cultural exchange, education, professional and diplomatic training, disaster management, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and poverty alleviation, including microfinance and microcredit. These areas will be further deliberated through the agreed Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.
Discussions also extended to potential collaborations in food security, health and nutrition, agriculture—including contract farming, livestock, veterinary science—deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, ICT, tourism, and addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. Additionally, both leaders emphasised educational exchanges through student and faculty programmes, joint research projects, and collaborative master’s and doctoral initiatives.
Acknowledging the presence of approximately 200-300 Bangladeshi nationals currently residing in Timor-Leste, the leaders discussed the possibility of long-term stay permits (Permanent Residency) and work permits in line with Timor-Leste’s laws.
The leaders underscored the need for joint efforts in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including climate change, food security, green energy, human trafficking, and transnational crimes.
Bangladesh sought Timor-Leste’s support in facilitating the repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) and urged Timor-Leste to play an active role in international and regional platforms to expedite their return. Both nations agreed that the resolution to the protracted Rohingya crisis lies within Myanmar.
In their commitment to international solidarity, both leaders stressed the importance of coordinated efforts within global bodies such as the United Nations (UN) to promote sustainable development, climate action, peace, security, and human rights. They reaffirmed their support for initiatives that foster international justice, economic progress, and cooperation.
Expressing grave concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East—including the humanitarian crises in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon—both leaders called for addressing human rights violations and humanitarian needs. They reiterated their unwavering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel within the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and UN principles.
The two nations also voiced concerns over global poverty and the economic struggles of impoverished nations. They called for unlocking financial relief through debt forgiveness, access to low-interest international finance, and increasing official development assistance (ODA). Both leaders urged OECD countries to allocate 1% of their national GDP to ODA, asserting that this initiative would significantly improve food security, healthcare, education, access to water, housing, and economic diversification, particularly in agriculture.
President Ramos-Horta’s maiden visit to Bangladesh heralded a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both leaders expressed optimism for a stronger partnership, ensuring mutual growth and deeper cooperation between the two friendly nations.
