Recognition of President Murmu's Public Servic

- President Droupadi Murmu has recently been bestowed by President Horta of Timor-Leste with the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste. 

- This high civilian honour acknowledges her significant contributions to public service, education, and women's empowerment. 

MoUs: Strengthening Relations beyond Awards

- Along with the award function, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. 

- The MoUs focus on facilitating cultural exchanges, collaboration between Prasar Bharati and Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL), and visa exemptions for diplomatic, official, and service passports. 

Introduction to the Geographical Aspects of East Timor

- East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, borders the Timor Sea to the Southeast, the Wetar Strait to the North, and the Ombai Strait to the Northwest.

- It is part of Timor Island, sharing its western half with the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara. 

Retracing East Timor’s Historical Journey

- East Timor was colonised by Portugal in the 18th century, prior to being annexed by Indonesia in 1975 as Portugal withdrew. 

- The annexation led to a long struggle for independence by the East Timor population.

- In the UN-supervised referendum of 1999, most of the East Timorese populace voted in favour of independence.

- This action resulted in further conflict before peace-keeping forces intervened. In 2002, the United Nations officially recognized East Timor as a separate country.

East Timor Seeking ASEAN Membership 

- East Timor is currently seeking membership in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and has been granted the status of an observer in the meantime. 

- Its membership would strengthen geopolitical dynamics and help the country economically by expanding its trade and investment prospects with other ASEAN countries.