Bangladesh, Timor-Leste look for air services pact to boost ties

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (15 December) acknowledged the importance of finalising an air services agreement between the two friendly countries.

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.

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 this morning with a welcome call on the visiting 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.

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.