Timor-Leste President Announces Private and Official International Visits
President José Ramos Horta of Timor-Leste is set to undertake two significant international trips in June 2025, underscoring his ongoing commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and post-conflict development. These visits, spanning from June 17 to June 26, have received formal approval from Timor-Leste’s National Parliament, reflecting their importance on the global stage.
The first part of President Horta’s journey is a private visit to Malaysia from June 17 to 19. During this trip, he will be honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Taylor’s University, a prestigious private institution located in Subang Jaya. Taylor’s University is recognized as the top private university in Malaysia according to the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings. This honorary degree will acknowledge President Horta’s significant contributions to international human rights, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. It adds to his growing list of accolades, including honorary doctorates awarded by three Cambodian universities in 2022 for his leadership and peacebuilding efforts.
While in Malaysia, President Horta is also scheduled to participate in the launch of a book by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Anwar Ibrahim. This event highlights the strong ties and mutual respect between Timor-Leste and Malaysia, as well as President Horta’s role in fostering regional cooperation and dialogue.
Following his private visit to Malaysia, President Horta will proceed to Monaco for an official visit from June 23 to 25. This trip, extended by parliamentary consent, is at the invitation of Prince Albert II. In Monaco, the President will attend anniversaries related to post-conflict development—an area closely aligned with Timor-Leste’s own experience of overcoming conflict and building a peaceful nation. The visit is part of President Horta’s broader diplomatic efforts to engage with international partners on issues of peace, development, and human rights.
During his absence from Timor-Leste, which will last from June 17 to 26, President Horta will be accompanied by a delegation. These travels follow a series of recent international visits, including stops in Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and the Vatican, demonstrating his active engagement on the global stage.
These trips not only highlight President Horta’s personal achievements and international recognition but also serve to strengthen Timor-Leste’s diplomatic relationships. His engagements in Malaysia and Monaco reflect a commitment to advancing dialogue, cooperation, and development in regions that share common goals of peace and progress, also poised to elevate Timor-Leste’s international profile and contribute meaningfully to global conversations on human rights and post-conflict recovery.