Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi concludes high-level visit to Dili, advancing key agreements on trade, food security, and youth empowerment.
UAE : The United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation across digital government services, economic diversification, food security, and sustainable tourism following an official visit to Dili by UAE Minister of State Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi.
During her visit, which forms part of a broader diplomatic tour of Pacific states, Al Kaabi met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta to discuss advancing sustainable development through digital transformation. The two sides agreed to accelerate technical cooperation, while expanding joint efforts in water management and food security.
Al Kaabi conveyed greetings from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. President Ramos-Horta reciprocated the warm greetings, expressing his aspirations for the continued progress of both nations.
As part of the visit’s social development agenda, Al Kaabi inspected the construction site of the Timor–UAE Residence for Girls, an initiative funded by the UAE aimed at providing safe housing, educational access, and personal development programs for young women. To mark the occasion, Al Kaabi and Timorese officials planted a symbolic tree at the facility.
Economic and trade integration featured prominently in high-level talks with key Timorese cabinet members:
- Finance Ministry: Discussions with Minister of Finance Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso focused on attracting foreign direct investment and finalizing foundational economic agreements to boost trade volumes.
- Economic Affairs & Tourism: Meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Francisco Kalbuadi Lay centered on sustainable tourism development, leveraging the UAE’s expertise in building global tourism hubs.
- Foreign Affairs: Strategic dialogue with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas highlighted shared diplomatic priorities and regional stability.
The visit concluded with a diplomatic reception hosted in Dili by the UAE Embassy in Indonesia (accredited to Timor-Leste), attended by President Ramos-Horta and diplomatic corps members. The event featured an awards ceremony for “Show the World Your Paradise,” a UAE-sponsored media competition recognizing young Timorese filmmakers.
Al Kaabi noted that bilateral relations between the two nations have expanded rapidly in recent years, adding that the UAE remains committed to strengthening diplomatic and commercial channels across the Pacific region. She was accompanied throughout the delegation by Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE Non-Resident Ambassador to Timor-Leste, and Omar Shehadeh, UAE Envoy to the Caribbean and Pacific States.
