Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, arrived on an official visit to Dili, Timor-Leste.
Starting today, he commenced his four-day visit (September 30 to October 3) to the Southeast Asian nation, during which he will participate in a range of programs and engage in several high-level bilateral meetings.
Detailing the Minister’s arrival on his first official visit, an official release informed, “Hon’ble MOS (External Affairs) Rajkumar Ranjan Singh was warmly welcomed by the Directors General for Bilateral Affairs and Protocol upon his arrival in #Dili on his maiden visit to Timor-Leste, marking the first ministerial-level visit from India since 2018.”
Bilateral talks will be a central focus during this visit
The Minister is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with the top leadership of the country, primarily focusing on existing bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for expansion.
Detailing the bilateral meetings to be held during this visit, the Ministry of External Affairs informed, “MoS will call on the President of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. MoS will also meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Trade and Industry Minister of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Filipus Nino Pereira.”
Furthermore, during this visit, the MEA added, he will also meet with heads of various United Nations agencies/bodies. The Minister will also interact with the Indian community present there and take part in Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.
It is pertinent to note that the Indian community is estimated to be very small, numbering up to 30 members, according to July 2021 data. They work as advisors in various Ministries, UN agencies, and international donors. A few among them are entrepreneurs engaged in trading and the restaurant business.
Act East In Action: Delhi to Dili
Reflecting the importance India places on ASEAN and its relations with Timor-Leste. India recently announced its decision to establish an Indian Embassy in Dili.
During the recently concluded ASEAN-India Summit held in Jakarta on September 7, 2023, this decision was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was warmly welcomed by Timor-Leste and ASEAN Members.
Significantly, Timor-Leste joined ASEAN in 2022 as an Observer before becoming a full Member.
