Timor-Leste has the potential to be a valuable partner for Bulgaria within the Southeast Asian region, and a stable basis for the development of bilateral relations are shared democratic values, human rights and a rules-based international order. This was stated by the Head of State Rumen Radev at a meeting with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos -Horta, who is on a working visit to our country. This is the first bilateral visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Timor-Leste in 2003. President Radev expressed his expectation that the visit at the highest level will give impetus to the intensification of the bilateral dialogue and the establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
During the plenary talks between the two delegations, preceded by a one-on-one meeting between the two presidents, promising areas for partnership and topics on the international agenda, including geopolitical challenges to security and stability, were discussed. The Bulgarian head of state indicated that our country supports the expansion of cooperation between the EU and Timor-Leste. Given the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - ASEAN, in the region, Bulgaria supports the efforts of Timor-Leste to prepare the country for membership in this organisation, which would open up further prospects for partnership.
Rumen Radev and Jose Ramos-Horta highlighted education, science, information technologies, pharmacy, agriculture as areas with potential for cooperation. The Bulgarian head of state noted the good traditions of our country in higher education and the training of personnel in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and naval affairs. The experience and expertise of Bulgarian specialists in the information technology sector are also the basis for partnership with Timor-Leste. Bulgaria is ready to support the country's ambition for a stronger economy, effective agriculture, quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure, said Rumen Radev.
The President of Timor-Leste highly appreciated the example that Bulgaria sets for peaceful development, emphasising that nowadays there is a need for more such countries that work to strengthen peace. He indicated that Timor-Leste could be a gateway for re-export to countries in Southeast Asia and Australia. He also presented the prospects for the development of the country's economy, stressing the potential for extracting energy resources. President Ramos-Horta also stated the need to support the development of countries in the Global South, and in this regard, the two heads of state discussed the important role of the European Union in supporting peace and stability.
In connection with the death of Pope Francis Rumen Radev and Jose Ramos-Horta noted the significance of the work of the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire Christian world, but also all of humanity, mourns the loss of Pope Francis, for his dedication to peace, philanthropy, understanding between people, support for the disadvantaged, the weak, children, and the elderly, said Rumen Radev.