Timor-Leste President Witnesses Foundation Stone-Laying for Female Students’ Accommodation and Social Facilities Project in Dili

His Excellency Dr. José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and His Excellency Abdullah Salem AlDhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the “Female Students’ Accommodation and Social Facilities” project in the capital, Dili.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Operations at the UAE International Aid Agency, and Amira Al Ameri, Head of Regional Cooperation at the Agency.

The project forms part of the development cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and reflects the UAE International Aid Agency’s efforts to support sustainable development initiatives, particularly in education and community development. The project is expected to contribute to improving quality of life, empowering young people and enhancing access to educational opportunities.

In remarks delivered on the occasion, President José Manuel Ramos-Horta expressed his profound appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the UAE’s continued support for development and humanitarian projects, including the Female Students’ Accommodation and Social Facilities project in Dili.

He emphasised that the project reflects the depth of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and embodies their shared humanitarian values and development vision in supporting education, empowering youth and advancing sustainable social development.

“The project represents a lasting symbol of friendship between the UAE and Timor-Leste and serves as an example of constructive cooperation that supports the aspirations of the two friendly peoples for a more prosperous and stable future,” President Ramos-Horta said.

For his part, His Excellency Abdullah Salem AlDhaheri expressed his appreciation to President Dr. José Manuel Ramos-Horta for his gracious patronage and attendance at the launch ceremony, stressing that the initiative reflects the strength of bilateral relations and the two countries’ shared commitment to broadening the horizons of cooperation in development and humanitarian fields.

He noted that the shared vision of the leaderships of the two friendly countries has helped open new avenues for partnership and cooperation and launch high-impact initiatives and sustainable development projects that support economic and social development plans. These efforts draw on the expertise and advanced capabilities of both sides across vital sectors, including education, healthcare and the environment.

AlDhaheri added: “The Female Students’ Accommodation and Social Facilities project in Dili aims to provide an integrated educational and social environment that contributes to developing qualified professionals and future national leaders capable of contributing to nation-building and achieving sustainable development. The project reflects the humanitarian values embraced by the UAE and Timor-Leste in serving people and enhancing quality of life.”

The foundation stone-laying ceremony concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries across various fields, in support of development efforts and the shared interests of their two peoples.