President To Lam Hosts Welcome Ceremony for Timor-Leste Leader
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: On Thursday, President To Lam of Vietnam extended a formal red-carpet welcome to President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, who is on a state visit to Vietnam from July 31 to August 3. This visit marks President Ramos-Horta’s second trip to Vietnam, following his initial visit in 2010, and is the fourth visit by a high-ranking Timorese leader.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders engaged in discussions to review the progress of their cooperation and set future directions for their bilateral relationship. They are also expected to witness the signing and exchange of several cooperation documents.
Since establishing diplomatic relations on July 28, 2002, Vietnam and Timor-Leste have experienced significant growth in their friendship and multifaceted cooperation. Both nations have maintained a close relationship, supporting each other in international forums and ensuring high-level contacts between their leaders.
Vietnam and Timor-Leste have collaborated actively in regional and international settings. Vietnam, along with other ASEAN members and the ASEAN Secretariat, has supported Timor-Leste’s aspirations for ASEAN membership. Although two-way trade between the countries remains modest, it is primarily driven by Vietnam’s exports of rice and garment-textiles. Last year, Vietnam’s exports to Timor-Leste amounted to USD 15.49 million, with imports totaling USD 371,000. In the first five months of this year, exports from Vietnam to Timor-Leste reached USD 6.09 million, reflecting a 29.4 percent increase year-on-year.
Investment has also seen notable developments, particularly with Viettel Telemor, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Military Industry and Telecommunications Group. Since its establishment in 2012 with an initial capital of USD 500,000, Viettel Telemor has expanded its investment to USD 15 million, positioning itself as one of Timor-Leste’s top three telecom service providers.
Timor-Leste presents significant opportunities for Vietnam’s exports, including rice, processed foods, dairy products, footwear, beverages, household items, and machinery. Conversely, Vietnam’s future economic activities will benefit from Timor-Leste’s resources, such as fuels, raw wood, and minerals.
President Ramos-Horta’s visit underscores the importance of consolidating political trust and provides a platform for both nations to explore ways to enhance cooperation and deepen their bilateral relationship, further strengthening the enduring friendship cultivated over the years.
