Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has arrived in Bangladesh for his first official visit, landing in Dhaka on Saturday night at the invitation of Chief Advisor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Leading a 19-member delegation, including the country’s foreign minister, chief presidential advisor, and senior officials, the president’s visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties. Bangladesh recognized Timor-Leste on June 7, 2002, shortly after its independence, laying the foundation for diplomatic relations. Bangladesh’s peacekeeping forces played a vital role in stabilizing the war-torn nation post-independence.

After receiving an official airport reception, President Ramos-Horta proceeded to his hotel. On Sunday, he is scheduled for a private meeting with Dr. Yunus, followed by bilateral talks between delegations of both nations. The day will conclude with a state banquet in his honor.

On Monday, the president will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to Bangladesh’s liberation war heroes. He will also attend events marking Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day and meet with the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban.

On Tuesday, Ramos-Horta will deliver an address at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Later, he will speak to Bangladeshi youth and students about Timor-Leste’s independence struggle, his leadership, the role of the people in the fight, and the nation’s post-independence aspirations and achievements.

The visit is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation, with discussions on various areas of partnership. A bilateral agreement on visa exemption for official and diplomatic passport holders and an MoU on bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries are likely to be signed. Additionally, Dhaka anticipates the announcement of an honorary consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh during the visit.