On 14 December 2024, the press office for the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste released a statement commemorating President and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, embarking on his first state visit to Bangladesh. The president visited Bangladesh from 14 December to 17 December 2024 to boost diplomatic relations between the two countries and witness the signing ceremony on a new visa waiver agreement.
Timor-Leste is predicted to attain full ASEAN membership in 2025-26 and this trip marked the beginning of new international and regional cooperation for the country.
In a statement, the president said, “This historic visit to Bangladesh represents more than just a diplomatic engagement – it is a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations and Bangladesh’s crucial role in supporting Timor-Leste’s journey to peace and stability.”
He went on to emphasize that the countries “look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation that will benefit both our peoples and contribute to regional prosperity.”
The president’s itinerary on this historic first state visit to Bangladesh included:
- Full state honors at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as he was received by Honorable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
- Attendance at a private meeting with the Honorable Chief Adviser on 15 December, followed by the signing ceremony between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on a visa waiver agreement. A joint press conference and announcement of an Honorary Consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh followed.
- Attendance at a state banquet hosted by the Honorable Chief Adviser at the Ballroom, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, later that evening.
- A visit to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on December 16 to pay respects to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
- Attendance at a meeting with the Honorable President of Bangladesh, His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin, at Bangabhaban. They then attended a reception ceremony to celebrate the 54th Victory Day of Bangladesh.
- Hosting a public lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on the challenges of peace, followed by a town hall meeting with students and youth leaders, on December 17.
The new visa waiver agreement between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh will mark the beginning of a new era of diplomatic relations between the countries, making travel smoother and easier for citizens traveling between the two countries.