New Delhi (VNA) - The Southeast Asian nation Timor-Leste has inaugurated its embassy in New Delhi, India on March 20, marking a major step forward in strengthening its diplomatic ties with India.
Notably, at the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta in September, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a decision to establish an Indian Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste. The decision is a reflection of the importance India attaches to ASEAN, and its relations with Timor Leste.
The opening of embassies by India and Timor-Leste not only reaffirms their commitment to deepening bilateral relations but also paves the way for expanded cooperation across key sectors.
Timor-Leste’s Chargé d’Affaires Francisco Fernandes highlighted the significant progress in bilateral ties, reinforced through high-level meetings between Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as President Jose Ramos-Horta’s participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
He emphasised that the new embassy in Delhi brings both nations closer to their goal of comprehensive collaboration.
Fernandes also acknowledged India’s substantial support for Timor-Leste, ranging from scholarship programmes to assistance in international forums.
The embassy’s inauguration is expected to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, technology, and digital connectivity while attracting Indian investment into Timor-Leste.
Positioned between Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the nation is preparing for membership in regional organisations such as ASEAN./.
