Timor-Leste Bestows Top Civilian Honor on President Murmu | 12 Aug 2024
Recently, President Horta of Timor-Leste awarded President Droupadi Murmu the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, recognizing her contributions to public service, education, and women's empowerment.
- President Murmu and Prime Minister Gusmão observed the signing of three MoUs covering Cultural Exchanges, the collaboration between Prasar Bharati and Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL), and visa exemptions for diplomatic, official, and service passports.
East Timor:
- East Timor also known as Timor-Leste is bounded by the Timor Sea to the southeast, the Wetar Strait to the north, the Ombai Strait to the northwest, and western Timor (part of the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara) to the southwest.
- East Timor comprises the eastern half of Timor Island, the western half of which is part of Indonesia.
- East Timor, colonised by Portugal in the 18th century, was annexed by Indonesia in 1975 after Portugal withdrew, leading to a long struggle for independence.
- In a 1999 UN-supervised referendum, East Timorese voted for independence, which led to further violence until peace-keeping forces intervened, and the country was officially recognized by the UN in 2002.
- East Timor has applied for ASEAN membership and currently holds observer status.
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