DHAKA: President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta is set to visit Bangladesh from December 14 to 17, marking the first official visit by a Timor-Leste Head of State since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002. The visit, at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, will coincide with Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations on December 16.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Foreign Secretary Md Jashin Uddin announced at a press briefing that President Ramos-Horta will lead an 18-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister and senior government officials. Bangladesh was among the first countries to recognize Timor-Leste’s independence, and Bangladeshi peacekeepers have historically contributed to the nation’s stability.
The President’s itinerary includes a meeting with Chief Adviser Yunus, bilateral talks, and a state banquet. On December 16, President Ramos-Horta will honor the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and participate in the Victory Day celebratio
ns. The visit will also feature a public lecture and interactions with Bangladeshi youth.
Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, and more. Two agreements-a Visa Waiver Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding-are anticipated to be signed, along with an announcement regarding an Honorary Consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh.
The visit is seen as a significant milestone in Bangladesh-Timor-Leste relations, with hopes for a strengthened partnership across multiple sectors.