President Murmu Honored Timor-Leste's Highest Civilian Award

Milestone Visit and Prestigious Award

• First-ever presidential visit from India to Timor-Leste
• President Droupadi Murmu received the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste
• Highest civilian award of Timor-Leste conferred by President José Ramos-Horta
• Award recognizes Murmu's achievements in public service, education, social welfare, and women's empowerment
• Murmu acknowledged the honor as a reflection of India-Timor-Leste friendship

Bilateral Meetings and Diplomatic Engagements

• Warm reception by President José Ramos-Horta at the airport
• Bilateral meeting with President Ramos-Horta to discuss enhancing cooperation
• Meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao
• Discussions on shared commitment to democracy and pluralism
• Exploration of Timor-Leste potentially joining the International Solar Alliance

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Cooperation

Three MoUs signed between India and Timor-Leste:

1.  Cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Radio Televisaun Timor-Leste (public broadcasters)

2.  Visa-free travel for diplomatic and official passport holders

3.  Cultural exchange programs

• Timor-Leste sought India's assistance in IT digital infrastructure, medical and pharmaceutical sectors
• Focus on capacity-building initiatives

Timor-Leste: A Brief Overview and India's Engagement

• Southeast Asian island nation, formerly known as East Timor
• Gained formal independence in 2002 after a UN-supervised referendum in 1999
• Observer status in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
• Currently no diplomatic missions between India and Timor-Leste
• President: Jose Ramos-Horta (1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner)
• Prime Minister: Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
• Capital: Dili
• Currency: US Dollar