Dili/New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a state visit to Timor-Leste, was conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, by President Jos.é Ramos-Horta.

The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women.

Later, President Murmu and the Timor-Leste President held bilateral talks, with the discussions covering IT, digitalisation, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and capacity building. She also held discussions with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

The MEA spokesperson and the President’s Office said in posts on X:

“President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu. The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women. President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste.”

“A mark of depth of friendship between India & Timor-Leste.

“President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn conferred with Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste by President @JoseRamosHorta1. It is the highest civilian award of Timor-Leste.”

On the bilateral talks between the two, the posts said:

“Forging stronger partnership!

President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn and President @JoseRamosHorta1 of Timor-Leste held productive talks at Presidential Palace in Dili.

“Discussions covered various areas of bilateral cooperation including IT, digitalisation, health & pharmaceuticals, agriculture, capacity building among others.”

“President Droupadi Murmu held bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste. Underlining the strong connect between the two democratic nations, both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral cooperation.”

On her talks with PM Gusmao, the MEA spokesperson said:

“Taking forward India-Timor-Leste ties !

“President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn

held discussions with PM Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste in Dili.

“The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and reaffirmed commitment to warm and friendly ties.”

President Murmu is the first ever head of state from India to visit Timor-Leste.

Earlier, in a special gesture, President Ramos-Horta received her at the airport.

“President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste on the last leg of her three-nation visit. In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport.”

She was also accorded a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour as she arrived at the Presidential Palace in Dili.

UNI RN