Transcript of Special Briefing by Secretary (East) on President’s visit to Timor-Leste (August 10, 2024)

Shri Rajesh Parihar, Director (XPD):Good evening everyone. I welcome you all to this Special Media Briefing on the ongoing visit of the honorable President to Timor- Leste. I am Rajesh Parihar, Director at the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of MEA. And I have the pleasure to introduce you, sitting on the dais with me, Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs; Shri Ajay Singh, Press Secretary to the President of India; Shri Sandeep Chakraborty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia & Timor-Leste and Mr. Ashish Sinha, Joint Secretary (Southern Division), Ministry of External Affairs. With this brief introduction, now I request Secretary (East) to brief the media on the visit.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Thank you Rajesh, and a very good evening to all of you. As you know, Rashtrapati ji is on a visit to three countries. This leg was the last leg of her visit. She has earlier been to Fiji and then to New Zealand. And this is a State visit to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. And this is the first ever visit at the level of Head of State or Head of Government from India to Timor-Leste. And therefore, it has crucial significance.

Rashtrapati ji's visit is very timely and as I said of great significance. As one of the first countries to recognize Timor-Leste upon her gaining independence, India and Timor-Leste have enjoyed warm relations and a developmental partnership over many years that will now be given fresh impetus through this visit. As you know, bilateral exchanges between India and Timor-Leste have gained momentum in recent times. President Horta visited India earlier this year. In January, he was there in Gujarat at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, where he met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the margins of that Summit. Timor-Leste has been a participant in both the virtual Summits of the Voice of the Global South that have been held so far. And we look forward to her participation in the third such Summit in a week's time.

During the ASEAN-India Summit in September 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced the opening of India's Resident Mission in Timor-Leste. And subsequently, Timor-Leste has also conveyed a decision to open a Resident Mission in Delhi. With the reciprocal opening of Resident Missions in each other's countries, the so-called Delhi-Dili connect will go stronger.

ASEAN is a crucial pillar in India's Act East policy. And in the light of ASEAN's decision to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member, our relationship with Timor-Leste will only gain greater significance. Timor-Leste is a young and vibrant democracy. The warm and cordial relationship between our two countries is anchored on shared commitments to upholding democracy, inclusiveness and plurality.

Upon her arrival today morning at the airport in Dili, Rashtrapati ji was warmly received by President of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Mr. José Ramos-Horta himself, along with Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; also Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Sabino Lopes; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas; and Minister of Education, Ms. Dulce de Jesus Soares. School children in big numbers welcomed Rashtrapati ji by waving flags of India and Timor-Leste all along the way. Rashtrapati ji was subsequently accorded a ceremonial welcome with full State honors and a 21-gun salute at the Presidential Palace, where she was greeted again by the President.

In her bilateral meeting with President Horta, the two leaders discussed ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as the digital field, in health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and human resources capacity building. President Horta bestowed upon Rashtrapati ji the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the decoration of the highest category within this order. The decoration is exclusively reserved for Heads of States, symbolizing the nation's highest recognition for significant and exceptional merit. President Horta also hosted a state banquet in honor of Rashtrapati Ji, which was attended by members of the cabinet, eminent citizens of Timor-Leste and members of the diplomatic corps, apart from the Prime Minister.

In her discussions with the Timorese Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Xanana Gusmão, Rashtrapati Ji noted that the reciprocal decision to open Resident Missions in respective countries would bring the two countries much closer. Rashtrapati Ji witnessed the exchange of three MoUs, the first on cultural exchanges, the second on cooperation and collaboration between Prasar Bharati of India and Radio and Television of Timor-Leste in the field of broadcasting, and a third on exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

In a warm gesture of friendship, Rashtrapati Ji participated in a public conversation with President Horta on the 'Horta show'. President Horta asked Rashtrapati Ji questions on several topics including her journey to becoming the President of India, the initiatives championed by her towards empowerment of tribal communities and advice to women aspiring for leadership roles. Rashtrapati Ji also interacted with the Indian community and friends of India at a community reception. Rashtrapati Ji lauded the small but dynamic Indian community and urged them to continue contributing to strengthening India Timor-Leste ties. Rashtrapati Ji will fly back to India tomorrow morning.

There is no doubt that this highest level visit ever from India to Timor-Leste has put our relationship on a significantly higher plane with new opportunities for partnering Timor-Leste in areas such as the digital economy, health, agricultural development and human capacity building. It was clear from the conversations between the President and His Excellency President Horta and Prime Minister Gusmão that India is a partner of choice for Timor-Leste.

If there are any questions, I will be happy to respond.

Abhishek: Main Abhishek hoon Sir DD News se. Sir, Rashtrapati ka ye pehla visit hai, ya kahain ki pehla State visit hai is country ke liye, bilateral relations pe impact dekhte hain Sir iska? Kya asar padega?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] I am Abhishek, Sir, from DD News. Sir, this is the President's first visit, or rather the first State visit to this country; what impact do you see on bilateral relations, Sir? What impact will it have?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East):Jaise maine kaha jo vartalaap hui hai, toh usmai digital economy pe emphasis diya gaya hai, health and pharmaceuticals pe, agriculture pe, human resources capacity building mei, ye sare areas of priority hain Timor-Leste ke liye aur isliye woh chahte hain ki Bharat ke sath in saare areas mei jyada cooperation aur assistance mile.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] As I mentioned, the discussions emphasized on the digital economy, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and human resources capacity building. These are all priority areas for Timor-Leste, and therefore they want more cooperation and assistance with India in all these areas.

Abhishek:Aur Sir ek chiz humne aur dekha, aaj Rashtrapati ke sath yahan ke Rashtrapati Horta ji ka ek Horta show jo tha, ek alag hi format dikha, iske baare mei aur kuch bata sakte hain Sir?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] And Sir, we also witnessed today, a unique format called the 'Horta Show' of President Horta with our President. Can you tell us more about this, Sir?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East):Toh ye unka apna ek social media program hai, jo bahot hi popular hai, mene suna hai, hamare rajdoot ne bataya ki ye Timor-Leste mei kafi popular hai, bahot log isko dekhte hain, toh ye accha opportunity tha ki hamare rashtrapati ji unke show pe aaye aur bahot informally baat kiye aur isse mere khayal se ek diplomatic, ek advantage bhi hai ki logon ke paas jaye aur aise informal conversations hue between two Presidents. Toh ye jarur ek naya chiz hai, aur isse log kafi prabhavit hue hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] So, this is one of their own social media programs, which is very popular. I have heard, our Ambassador mentioned that it is quite popular in Timor-Leste, with many people watching it. So, it was a good opportunity that our President appeared on his show and had a very informal conversation. I think this also has a diplomatic advantage, as it reaches the people and allows for informal conversations between the two Presidents. So, this is definitely something new, and people have been quite impressed by it.

Abhishek:Aur Sir apne 3 MoU ki baat ki jo do countries ke beech mei hua hain, iske baare mei aur thoda details bata sakte hain Sir?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] And Sir, you mentioned the three MoUs that have been signed between the two countries. Could you please share some more details about them, Sir?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East):Ek toh MoU cultural cooperation hai, jiske andar aadan pradan honge cultural troupes ki, exchanges honge. Dura hai regarding diplomatic and official passport, abse donon deshon ke diplomats aur officials ko visa nahi lena padega ek-dusre ke desh mei jane ka. Aur tisra hai Prasar Bharti aur unke Radio and Television ke broadcasting program exchange ke upar.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] One MoU is on cultural cooperation, which will involve the exchanges of cultural troupes. The second is regarding diplomatic and official passports, from now on, diplomats and officials of the two countries will not need a visa to visit each other's country. The third is related to the exchange of broadcasting programs between Prasar Bharati and their Radio and Television.

Sri Sai: Good evening Sir, this is Sri Sai from All India Radio. Sir, my question is, how does Timor-Leste fit into India's 'Act East' Policy and the Indo-Pacific. The second one is considering Timor-Leste's strategic location, is there any strategic angle to this India-Timor-Leste relation and were there any discussions on defence cooperation? And the third one is, in the IT and digital space, digitization and all that, digital payments, are there any concrete deliverables from India in the next one year? Thank you, Sir.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Thank you. So firstly, as I mentioned, Timor-Leste is about to become the 11th member state of ASEAN and as you know, ASEAN is the centre of our 'Act East' policy. We set enormous importance in our relationship with ASEAN. So as an incoming member of ASEAN, the importance of Timor-Leste in our relationship also becomes much more important, apart from the bilaterally very close relations that we have always enjoyed. On your question about defence, yes, there was some discussion. There have been Timor-Leste's defence personnel who have been to India over the years in different programs that we undertake. We have also offered, if they want to have anything specialized training program, we could tailor, make such training programs for them. In the area of domain awareness also, there was some discussion if they need any assistance in terms of unregulated fishing, illegal fishing in their waters, if they need any assistance in that regard, and also marine pollution assistance in countering marine pollution. So these were the broad areas in the area of defence and security that was discussed.

On IT and digital payments, there was considerable interest displayed from the Timor-Leste side to our UPI and other digital public infrastructure projects and a digital payment system, a pilot of a digital payment system is something that could be considered in the next year or so.

Speaker 1: Sir Bharat Quad ka bhi member hai, ASEAN ka bhi hai, ab Timore-Leste ASEAN ka bhi member banne ja raha hai, aise mei is Timor-Leste ke banne se strategically Bharat ke liye kitna importance hai Sir, ASEAN ka member banne se?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, India is a member of the Quad and also a partner of ASEAN. Now that Timor-Leste is going to be a member of ASEAN, how strategically important is this for India, Sir?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Dekhiye ye visit jo hai bilateral visit hai, jismei hum log bilaterally kya kar sakte hain, Timor-Leste ki kya jarurat hain uske upar jyadatar focus hua hai. In terms of strategic, of course, every member state of ASEAN is an important state for us in terms of our strategic relationship with the region, lekin aise koi baat nahi hain ki Quad aur ASEAN ka koi contradiction hain, hum nahi sochte hain aisa.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Look, this visit is a bilateral one, focusing mainly on what we can do bilaterally and what are Timor-Leste's requirements. In terms of strategic importance, of course, every member state of ASEAN is an important state for us in terms of our strategic relationship with the region. However, there is no issue of any contradiction between the Quad and ASEAN; we don't think that way.

Speaker 2:Sir, President Horta in the press statement had mentioned that both Timor-Leste and India stand with a shared value or a shared idea of reformed multilateral institutions for global peace and security. So has there been any discussion on the reforms in UNSC that India is proposing?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East):Timor-Leste has traditionally, and it was again reiterated today that they support India's claim to be a rightful member of an expanded UN Security Council. That was reiterated today several times and it was emphasized from the leadership of Timor-Leste that a country almost 1.5 billion people, which has such a large footprint on the world today, cannot be ignored and that India has to be in the expanded Security Council. As regards trade and other matters, multilateral financial institutions and trade institutions, it was discussed at both the meetings that there is a requirement for the voice of the developing countries to be reflected, and the voice of the Global South is one way in which India and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has tried to coalesce the voice of the developing countries in order to reflect it in whatever outcomes came out of the G20. And this is now a continuing process for us, and Timor-Leste is also a very enthusiastic partner in this. They have always participated in this and they have promised that they will also participate in the future Voice of the Global South Summit.

Abhishek: Ek last sawal hai, Rashtrapati mahodaya ko aaj ek award bhi diya gaya, kitna bada samman mante hain ise aur is award ke bare mei kuch bata sakte hain?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] One last question, the President was also conferred upon an award today. How significant do you consider this honor, and could you tell us something about this award?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Ji, so this is the highest level of award, jo Timor-Leste dusre desh ke Head of State ko dete hain. Ye ek bahot hi bada samman hain, aur ye Rashtrapati ji ke poore contribution, her status and her stature and her contribution to empowerment of people, and her role as a symbol for those who aspire to rise above their limitations or their backgrounds in order to come to high office in this way.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Yes, so this is the highest level of award that Timor-Leste gives to the Head of State of another country. It is a great honor, and it recognizes the President's entire contribution, her status, her stature, and her contribution to empowerment of people, and her role as a symbol for those who aspire to rise above their limitations or their backgrounds in order to come to high office in this way.

So that is a recognition of her signal achievement throughout her life and her career. So it was a great honor to be bestowed to this particular award and it has been given in the past only to a few Heads of State, so it was a really big honor.

Thank you very much. Thanks for being here.

Shri Rajesh Parihar, Director (XPD):Thank you, Sir. Thank you everyone. The Briefing is over.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.