President Murmu Honored with Timor-Leste’s Highest Civilian Award

GG News Bureau
Dili, Timor-Leste, 11th August. President Droupadi Murmu, arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Saturday on the final leg of her State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the Southeast Asian nation.

In a special gesture, President Murmu was warmly welcomed at the airport by President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, where she was greeted by cheerful children along the route. Following her arrival, she met with President Horta at the Government Palace to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as IT, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and capacity building. President Murmu assured her counterpart that India would remain a steadfast partner in Timor-Leste’s development efforts.

In recognition of her contributions to public service, education, social welfare, and women’s empowerment, President Horta conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste—the country’s highest civilian award—upon President Murmu. She expressed gratitude for the honor, noting that it reflects the deep bonds of friendship between India and Timor-Leste.

President Murmu also held discussions with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on various issues including defense, security cooperation, connectivity, trade, and tourism. The two leaders witnessed the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges, media collaboration, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

During her visit, President Murmu appeared as a special guest on the popular “Horta Show” on Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL), where she shared insights about her life journey, India’s cultural heritage, and the government’s initiatives to empower marginalized communities.

Later, at a reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, President Murmu addressed the Indian community, acknowledging their role in fostering cooperation between the two nations. She urged them to actively contribute to India’s efforts to deepen ties with Timor-Leste.

In her final engagement of the day, President José Ramos-Horta hosted a banquet in her honor at Palacio Nobre De Lohane, where President Murmu reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Timor-Leste.

President Murmu will depart for New Delhi today, marking the successful conclusion of her three-nation State Visit. She was accompanied by Minister of State George Kurian and Lok Sabha MPs Saumitra Khan and Shri Jugal Kishore.