(AseanAll) — President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, . Ramos-Horta met on February 24, 2026 at the World Health Organization headquarters with Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to consolidate the strategic partnership between Timor-Leste and the global health body.
Dr. Tedros congratulated the President on Timor-Leste’s historic eradication of malaria and its exemplary COVID-19 response, which achieved an 80% vaccination rate. Accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, the Head of State reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to multilateralism and praised Dr. Tedros’s “brilliant leadership” during unprecedented global crises.
Ramos-Horta secured WHO’s support in addressing current health emergencies, specifically requesting Timor-Leste’s inclusion in early access programs for the new dengue vaccine to combat severe seasonal outbreaks. The discussion also focused on the “major drama” of tuberculosis and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and tobacco-related illnesses. Both leaders confirmed their participation in the 79th WHO Regional Committee Meeting to be held in Dili this September, with the President extending a personal invitation for Dr. Tedros to conduct a historic official visit to the capital.
The meeting concluded with a broader discussion on national development and international credibility, where the President highlighted Timor-Leste’s financial independence, its sustainable Petroleum Fund, and strategic infrastructure partnerships with Japan, Australia, and the UAE. Reaffirming the nation’s environmental leadership and the upcoming Greater Sunrise energy project, President Ramos-Horta also engaged in “coffee diplomacy,” presenting Timorese coffee to Dr. Tedros as a symbol of the country’s unique heritage.
The Director-General assured the President that WHO’s ongoing restructuring would not affect the organization’s strong presence in Timor-Leste, ensuring continued technical support for the nation’s health priorities.
