Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh and Timor-Leste have expressed optimism in enhancing bilateral relation and mutual cooperation in trade and economy as well as investment.
The issues came up following the meeting between Chief Adviser to the Interim Government Muhammad Yunus and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta held at the former’s Office on Sunday.
Both the leaders discussed wide-ranging issues on Bangladesh-Timor-Leste relations which included bilateral, regional and international issues of common interests as well as microcredit and social business initiatives.
Both the leaders acknowledged the importance of concluding Air Services Agreement between the two friendly countries.
They also recognized the significance of cooperation in fields of SMEs, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Education, Capacity Building, Manpower, ICT, and Disaster Management.
The Chief Advisor requested Timorese President to consider extending Permanent Residency to the expatriate Bangladeshis who have been residing there for a long time and address the difficulties of visa renewal.
President Ramos-Horta said, “We are eager to increase our trade relations with Bangladesh, and we believe there are immense opportunities to import more from this vibrant nation,” he said.
The President also invited Bangladeshi companies to explore investment opportunities in his country, which is set to join ASEAN next year, opening up access to a region of 700 million people.
“We encourage Bangladeshi businesses to invest in Timor-Leste. By next year, we will join a GDP of over US$ 4 trillion as part of ASEAN,” Ramos said.
He further mentioned that Bangladesh, with its rapidly expanding economy, could play a key role in helping develop Timor-Leste’s infrastructure, energy sector, and human capital.
In addition, both leaders witnessed the signing of two important agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations and an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.
These initiatives are expected to facilitate smoother travel and diplomatic exchanges, creating a conducive environment for business and trade.
Ramos-Horta also paid tribute to Prof. Yunus, describing him as “one of the most respected leaders in the world” and a key figure in global peace and development.
He compared leadership of Yunus to global icons like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and John F. Kennedy, calling him a transformative figure for Bangladesh and the wider world.
“Bangladesh is very fortunate to have such a humble and visionary leader leading the nation,” Ramos-Horta remarked, expressing admiration for Yunus’s work in uplifting millions through social entrepreneurship.
“Dr. Yunus is perhaps the only leader in the world with such extraordinary qualifications,” he added.
As part of his visit, President Ramos-Horta held several meetings with senior Bangladeshi officials, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan was also present during the meeting.
The Timor-Leste President also met with Bangladeshi business leaders to explore future partnerships.
His visit coincided with Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day celebrations, a significant milestone in the country’s history.
On December 16, he is scheduled to meet the President of Bangladesh and visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
On the final day of his visit, December 17, Ramos-Horta will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
