Indian envoy discusses early opening of Timor-Leste Embassy in New Delhi

The Indian ambassador to Indonesia has discussed the early opening of Timor-Leste Embassy in New Delhi during his visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

Pradeep Kumar Rawat has held a wide range of discussions with Timor-Leste President Dr Francisco Guterres Lu Olo and Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak during his visit from August 20-22, the Indian embassy in Jakarta said yesterday.

The Indian envoy and Timor-Leste (or East Timor) leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations with a view to explore possibilities of enhanced cooperation in the developmental goals of Timor-Leste. The discussions included the possibility of early entry of Timor-Leste into the International Solar Alliance.

The Indian ambassador also called on Elia Antonio de Araujo dos Reis Amaral, and Bonifacio Maukoli dos Reis, vice-ministers of health where various facets of engagement in health sector were discussed.

The discussions included training of medical and para medical personnel through deputation of experts, assistance in establishment of medical facilities in Timor-Leste, supply of cost-effective generic drugs and providing affordable medical treatment facilities for Timorese nationals in India.

The envoy was accompanied by Indian business delegation and had detailed discussions with the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce (CCI) and B2B (business-to-business) meetings with Timorese counterparts from a cross section of sectors.

Rawat and the delegation members also met National University of Timor-Leste (UTL) rector professor Doutor Francisco Miguel Martins, and discussed engagement in education sector, including through an memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering faculty and curriculum exchange, double degree programs among others.

The ambassador drew the attention of the UTL Faculty to the Indian government's scholarship programmes for Timor-Leste through the Indian Technical Exchange Cooperation programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

A condolence book was opened at Dili -- Timor-Leste's capita -- on the demise of former prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which was signed by representatives of the Timor-Leste government, diplomats and the Indian community in Dili.