Timor-Leste President's Bollywood Dream and Strengthening Ties with India

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta revealed his aspirations to work in Bollywood during a conversation with President Droupadi Murmu. Murmu, on an official visit, received the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste. The visit focused on enhancing bilateral relations in IT, digital technology, health, and agriculture.

During a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta shared his past dreams of working in Bollywood. He also expressed gratitude for her participation in his show, the Prezidente Horta Show.

"Thank you, President, for being on my show. It's not as popular as Bollywood, where I always dreamt of going but never have," Ramos-Horta said. Earlier, President Murmu was awarded the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the nation's highest civilian award.

In a post on X by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, pictures were shared with the caption: "President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon President Droupadi Murmu in recognition of her achievements in public service, education, social welfare, and women's empowerment."

Murmu remarked that the award symbolizes the friendship between India and Timor-Leste. She highlighted that this was her second time receiving a highest civilian honor, the first being from Fiji. This visit marks the inaugural state visit from India to Timor-Leste.

"I am pleased to be in Dili, Timor-Leste on this historic visit. India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on mutual commitments to democracy and pluralism. I am confident this will further strengthen bilateral ties," Murmu said.

Emphasizing the cooperation between the two nations, President Murmu mentioned advancing collaborations in IT, digital technology, health, and agriculture, and announced three MOUs to be exchanged. She also disclosed India's plans to open a resident mission in Dili.

"Receiving the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste is a deep honor, reflecting the strong friendship between our countries. We discussed extensive cooperation in various fields and will be formalizing three MOUs. Soon, India will establish a resident mission in Dili," she added.

President Murmu arrived in Timor-Leste following visits to Fiji and New Zealand.

(With inputs from agencies.)