The maiden visit as President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Dr José Ramos-Horta to Bangladesh "ushered in a new era" in the bilateral relations between the two countries, said a joint communique on Tuesday.  Both the leaders - Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President José Ramos-Horta expressed optimism for a stronger and deeper partnership for mutual benefits of the two friendly nations.  Both the nations expressed concern over the agony of poverty, rising costs in the most impoverished countries. They called for the global combined efforts of unlocking finance through writing off debt, streamlining international finance at lowest interest rates, and significantly increasing official development assistance to Small Island Developing States, LDCs and climate vulnerable nations.  Both the countries believe that it would be a leap forward in international solidarity if all OECD countries were to allocate 1% of their national GDP to ODA, as it would bring a positive effects on poverty rates, food security, access to basic health services, education, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, housing or social security, with multiplier effects on the diversification of economies, especially in agriculture.  At the official invitation of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, President Ramos-Horta paid an official visit to Bangladesh from December 14 to 17. He delivered a lecture at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on Tuesday.  During the visit, the President paid deep homage to the martyrs of the ‘Liberation War in 1971’ and ‘July-August Revolution 2024’ who made supreme sacrifice for an Independent and Discrimination free Bangladesh.  President José Ramos-Horta recalled with gratitude the contribution of the Bangladesh Peacekeeping forces in Timor-Leste in 2002.  The two leaders expressed satisfaction over steadily growing relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.  Talent Partnership to ensure safe, dignified migration: Ambassador Miller They underscored the need for tapping available synergies and increased economic engagements.  They appreciated signing of MOU on ‘Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM)’ and Agreement on the ‘Exemption from Visa Requirement for the Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders’ during the visit.  Visiting East Timorese president calls on counterpart at Bangabhaban During the visit, the two sides explored possibility of advancing the bilateral cooperation between the two nations in the fields of trade & investment, air services, cultural exchange, education, professional and diplomatic training, disaster management, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and poverty alleviation including microfinance and microcredit.  The above-mentioned fields of cooperation will be further discussed between the two Governments through the agreed Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.   Both sides discussed the following potential areas of cooperation i.e. food security, health and nutrition, agricultural cooperation including contact farming, livestock and veterinary science, deep sea fishing and aquaculture, ICT, tourism, Bangladesh diaspora, regional and international issues of common interest.  They also highlighted exchange of higher educational experience through student exchange, faculty exchange, research projects and joint masters and doctoral programmes. Around 200-300 Bangladeshi nationals are currently living in Timor-Leste.  Both the leaders discussed the possibility of issuing a long-term stay permit (Permanent Residency) and Work Permit for the Bangladeshi expatriates living in Timor-Leste in accordance with the law.   Timor-Leste President discusses bilateral relations with President Shahabuddin Both the leaders emphasised on the importance of joint efforts in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, food security, green energy, human trafficking and transnational crime.  Bangladesh sought Timor-Leste’s support for repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) staying in Bangladesh.  Bangladesh urged Timor Leste’s active role in the International and Regional fora for immediate return of the FDMNs from Bangladesh. Both agreed that the solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis lies with Myanmar.  The two leaders acknowledged the importance of coordinated actions for common objectives within international organizations such as the United Nations (UN).  They committed to jointly supporting initiatives to strengthen and support sustainable development and climate actions, international peace and security, protecting human rights, international justice and promoting economic and social progress. Both the leaders expressed grave concern over the situation in the Middle East; tragedies in Palestine, carpet bombing of Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and emphasized on the importance of addressing issues of human rights and humanitarian concerns of the international community.  Both the countries unwaveringly support a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the right of the peoples of Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace, with dignity, and in safety within the pre-1967 borders.  Timor-Leste and Bangladesh support initiatives that uphold the principles of the UN Charter and contribute to a world where conflicts are resolved through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the values of the United Nations. 

President of Timor-Leste held a meeting with Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, at Bangabhaban on Monday afternoon. The President of Bangladesh welcomed the President of Timor-Leste to attend the Victory Day celebration. Both leaders discussed the expansion of bilateral relations and appreciated cooperation in regional and multilateral issues of common interests. Reception held at  Bangabhaban for Bir Shrestha family members  Following the meeting, President José Ramos-Horta graced the Victory Day reception as the guest of honour at Bangabhaban.  

A four-member BNP delegation met visiting President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral interests. The BNP delegation, led by the party's International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Ashim, met Ramos-Horta at Hotel Sonargaon around 2pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste, he said. The other members of the BNP delegation were Mahdi Amin, Education and Research Affairs Adviser to the party Acting Chairman, and Tabith Awal, a Central Executive Committee Member of BNP and the President of the Bangladesh Football Federation, and Ishraque Hossain, a Central Executive Committee Member of BNP.

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus acknowledged the importance of finalising an air services agreement between the two friendly countries on Sunday. They also recognised the significance of cooperation in sectors such as SMEs, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, manpower, ICT, and disaster management. The Chief Adviser urged President Ramos-Horta to consider granting permanent residency to expatriate Bangladeshis residing in Timor-Leste for extended periods, to ease the challenges of visa renewal. Timor-Leste President assures support for resolving Rohingya crisis: CA The Timorese side assured its support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, following its full membership. The visit holds historical significance, as it marks the first-ever official visit by a head of state from Timor-Leste, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Official engagements began on Sunday morning with a welcome call on the President by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President José Ramos-Horta held a one-to-one meeting, followed by a bilateral delegation-level discussion at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Both leaders engaged in talks covering a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh-Timor-Leste relations, including bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The Chief Adviser briefed President Ramos-Horta on the July-August Revolution and the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the interim government toward a democratic and just Bangladesh. President Ramos-Horta expressed support for the interim government’s efforts to build a new Bangladesh and commended the youth representation in the Advisory Council. The two leaders underscored the need to enhance trade and economic relations, recognising the potential for growth in bilateral trade. They also discussed collaborating on microcredit and social business initiatives. Prof Yunus requested the President’s support for Bangladesh’s stance on the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals at the ASEAN forum, advocating for their safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation. President Ramos-Horta expressed strong backing for an early resolution of the prolonged crisis. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) and an agreement on the exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders were signed following the delegation-level talks. Timor-Leste President seeks to boost trade ties with Bangladesh After the MoU signing ceremony, both leaders addressed the press, discussing the outcomes of their meetings and the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations. The two Nobel Peace Laureates also emphasised the importance of global peace and stability, urging the international community to take action toward resolving ongoing conflicts in various regions. President José Ramos-Horta is on an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. A 15-member delegation, including the Foreign Minister, Principal Adviser, Chief of State Protocol, and senior officials from Timor-Leste, is accompanying the President. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed President Ramos-Horta at the airport yesterday evening, where he received a red-carpet reception and a ceremonial guard of honour. President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to attend Bangladesh's 54th Victory Day celebrations on Monday and will also deliver a keynote address on "The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World" at a Dhaka think tank.

Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has assured Bangladesh's interim government of his efforts to secure ASEAN’s support for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. “And his excellency has assured us as an ASEAN member that he will try his best to make sure that ASEAN supports us in the Rohingya issues,” Dr Yunus said  at a joint press conference at his office on Sunday after a bilateral meeting with Ramos .  “So, we discussed in detail how this can be achieved. How to make the international opinion go towards the repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh back to Myanmar,” he said. Timor-Leste President seeks to boost trade ties with Bangladesh The Chief Adviser said Ramos-Horta will be a strong support for Bangladesh. Dr Yunus said Timor-Leste is set to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) soon.  Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Timor-Leste President held "fruitful discussions" and shared their ideas to take the relations between the two countries to a new height. They witnessed the signing of two instruments -- MoU on bilateral consultations mechanism and agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders -- to further strengthen the relations. The two leaders had a tete-a-tete which was followed by a delegation-level meeting. CA Yunus, Timor-Leste President hold fruitful meeting, eye closer ties Earlier in the morning, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain met President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta and discussed issues of mutual interest. He was on Saturday night accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on a four-day official visit. The Chief Adviser received President Ramos-Horta at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on his arrival around 10:40pm.

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on Sunday expressed optimism over greater cooperation between Bangladesh and his country in the coming days to expand economic and trade relations. "We can import more from Bangladesh," he said in a joint press conference at the Chief Adviser's Office after the bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Timor-Leste President also invited Bangladeshi companies to his country and explore opportunities there. The President of Timor-Leste urged Bangladesh business firms to come up with their investment in his country. Ramos-Horta said, "We invite Bangladeshi companies to come in Timor-Leste as by next year, we will join ASEAN and will be part of a region of 700 million people.”      He said Timor-Leste will join a GDP of over US$ 4 trillion next year. CA Yunus, Timor-Leste President hold fruitful meeting, eye closer ties The Timor-Leste president hoped that Bangladesh would be a partner of developing his country. Ramos-Horta said Nobel Peace Laureate Prof Yunus is one of the most respected leaders in the world, who is active in office, comparing the Bangladesh chief adviser to the world leaders like Nelson Mandela, John F Kenned, Mahatma Gandhi, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. “So, Bangladesh is very fortunate, very lucky, to have such an unassuming and humble person leading…he is working with you – the young people – to transform the country,” he said. Mentioning that both Bangladesh and Timor-Leste have a similar history of suffering, the Timor-Leste president said the people of Bangladesh are resilient, hardworking, creative and successful.      He described Prof Yunus as his brother, friend, and mentor and thanked the Bangladesh government for hosting him. Ramos-Horta was elected president in May 2022. He had previously been president from 2007-2012 - during which he was shot during an attempted assassination. He was co-awarded the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, along with Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, for working for peace in East Timor. CA Yunus to hold talks with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta today to strengthen ties Praising Prof Yunus' leadership, the President said this country has a tremendous future. "Thank you for hosting me. I am very, very honoured," he said. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Timor-Leste President held "fruitful discussions" and shared their ideas to take the relations between the two countries to a new height. They witnessed the signing of two instruments -- MoU on bilateral consultations mechanism and agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders -- to further strengthen the relations. The two leaders had a tete-a-tete which was followed by a delegation-level meeting. Earlier in the morning, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain met President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta and discussed issues of mutual interest. The meeting, held at a city hotel, discussed ways to deepen the relations between the two countries. While welcoming the President of Timor-Leste on his first official visit to Bangladesh, Foreign Adviser Hossain discussed issues of mutual interest with the visiting President, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. During his stay in Dhaka, the president will engage in a series of meetings and events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. He was on Saturday night accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on a four-day official visit. Bangladesh rolls out red carpet welcoming President José Ramos-Horta The Chief Adviser received President Ramos-Horta at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on his arrival around 10:40pm. He was given a state salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces. He inspected the guard of honour, while the national anthems of the countries were played. President Ramos-Horta is accompanied by a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister. In the afternoon (Sunday), Ramos-Horta is scheduled to meet honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Football Federation President and BNP leader, Tabith Awal. On December 16, Ramos-Horta will call on the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. He will also visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The President will attend the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971. On his final day, December 17, the Timor-Leste President will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World”. He is expected to interact with Bangladeshi students and young leaders, sharing his experiences of leading his country’s independence movement, the role of the people, and the post-independence aspirations of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta will leave Dhaka later in the day, concluding his visit aimed at fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on Sunday held "fruitful discussions" and shared their ideas to take the relations between the two countries to a new height. They witnessed the signing of two instruments- MoU on bilateral consultations mechanism and agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders- to further strengthen the relations. The two leaders had a tete-a-tete which was followed by a delegation-level meeting. CA Yunus to hold talks with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta today to strengthen ties Dr Yunus and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta appeared in a joint press conference at the Chief Adviser's Office after the bilateral meeting.

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta was accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on Saturday night on a three-day official visit. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus received President Ramos-Horta at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on his arrival around 10:40pm, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB. He was given state salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces. A warm welcome awaits Timor-Leste President in Dhaka tonight He inspected the guard of honour, while the national anthems of the countries were played. President Ramos-Horta is accompanied by a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister. Key Meetings and Agreements During his stay in Dhaka, the President will engage in a series of high-level meetings and events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. On the second day of his visit, December 15, Ramos-Horta will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in the morning. Later, he will hold discussions with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, followed by a delegation-level meeting. After the meeting, a joint press conference will be held, during which the two countries are expected to sign agreements on visa exemption and a memorandum of understanding for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). In the afternoon, Ramos-Horta will meet honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Football Federation President and BNP leader, Tabith Awal. Participation in Victory Day Celebrations On the third day, December 16, Ramos-Horta will call on the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. He will also visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The President will attend the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971. Address to the Youth and Departure On his final day, December 17, the Timor-Leste President will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World”. Victory President of Timor-Leste to visit Bangladesh He is expected to interact with Bangladeshi students and young leaders, sharing his experiences of leading his country’s independence movement, the role of the people, and the post-independence aspirations of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta will leave Dhaka later in the day, concluding his visit aimed at fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.

Dhaka is ready to welcome José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste, as he arrives here on a four-day official visit starting Saturday night. He will be accompanied by a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister. President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a special Singapore Airlines flight. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will receive the President with a guard of honour and a red carpet reception. Key Meetings and Agreements During his stay from December 14-17, the President will engage in a series of high-level meetings and events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. On the second day of his visit, December 15, Ramos-Horta will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in the morning. Later, he will hold discussions with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, followed by a delegation-level meeting. After the meeting, a joint press conference will be held, during which the two countries are expected to sign agreements on visa exemption and a memorandum of understanding for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh In the afternoon, Ramos-Horta will meet honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Football Federation President and BNP leader, Tabith Awal. Participation in Victory Day Celebrations On the third day, December 16, Ramos-Horta will call on the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. He will also visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The President will attend the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971. Address to the Youth and Departure On his final day, December 17, the Timor-Leste President will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World”. DMP commissioner attends courtesy meeting with US Embassy delegation He is expected to interact with Bangladeshi students and young leaders, sharing his experiences of leading his country’s independence movement, the role of the people, and the post-independence aspirations of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta will leave Dhaka later in the day, concluding his visit aimed at fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.

President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste is set to visit Bangladesh from December 14 to 17, leading a high-level delegation of 19 members, including the Foreign Minister. The President will participate in the Victory Day celebrations and hold significant diplomatic engagements, said Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. On December 15, President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to hold a one-to-one meeting and a bilateral discussion with the Chief Adviser. On December 16, he will pay tribute at the National Memorial and meet President Muhammed Shahabuddin. During the visit, a bilateral agreement on visa-free travel for government officials and a memorandum of understanding on foreign ministry dialogue strategies are expected to be signed. Besides, discussions regarding the establishment of an honorary consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh will also take place. ADB to lend USD 100 million to Bangladesh for infrastructure dev The visit underscores the growing relationship between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste, marking a new chapter in their diplomatic ties.