Prime Minister of Timor Leste Xanama Gusmao has said Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh are in the hearts of the people of Timor Leste.

Appreciating the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the man who led the independence movement of the East Timorese people and has led the country as president or PM since 2002 said: “I need to learn from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina how to ensure food security for 170 million people, and ensure their economic and social wellbeing.”

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Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen had a courtesy meeting with Gusmao on Tuesday at the latter’s office in Dili, Timor Leste.

Momen pointed out that the socio-economic successes, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, were not a mere accident but due to her commitment and targeted approach.

Prime Minister of Timor Leste expressed his keen interest to collaborate in the areas of health, education, training, food security and climate change when Foreign Minister mentioned those opportunities to collaborate bilaterally.

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On the Rohingya issue, the Timor Leste PM expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh and highlighted some practical challenges to resolve the crisis.

The Prime Minister of Timor Leste also expressed his willingness to visit Bangladesh next year.

Foreign Minister Momen during his official visit to Timor Leste, also met the Health Minister of Timor Leste Elia Antonio de Araujo dos Reis Amaral on Monday.

The minister also briefed her on the initiatives of the Government of Sheikh Hasina to improve the health services and ensure access to the basic health services by the millions in the rural areas through community clinic initiative.

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He said Bangladesh was ready to share the expertise and experience of community based engagements in the health sector.

Amaral appreciated the offer made by Bangladesh Foreign Minister for the students of Timor Leste to study medicine and other disciplines of health services in Bangladesh medical colleges.

Momen makes courtesy call on legendary figure Leste J Ramos Horta

Momen also paid a courtesy call on the legendary figure President of Timor Leste, J Ramos Horta at the latter's official residence on Monday.

At the time, Momen praised the personal courage and leadership of President Ramos Horta. Horta recollected his memories from visiting the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum during his visit to Bangladesh in 2014.
The foreign minister sought support of President Horta on the Rohingya issue. President Ramos Horta expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.

On the common challenge like climate change President Horta appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership role and expressed keenness to work collaboratively on the climate change issue.

Foreign Minister extended an invitation to President Ramos Horta to visit Bangladesh and deliver a lecture at Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy as part of “Bangabandhu Lecture Series”.