Dili,March 16 (AseanAll)  — On March 16, 2026, The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta received a courtesy call from the non-resident Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Timor-Leste, Mr. Sergei G. Tolchenov, to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations. 

During the productive meeting, the Head of State and the Russian envoy explored various avenues of strategic partnership, and Ambassador Tolchenov formally delivered an invitation for President Ramos-Horta and Timorese leadership to participate in the upcoming commemorative Russia-ASEAN Summit scheduled for later this year.

The dialogue centered on expanding cooperation across several critical sectors, including defense, national security, and joint efforts to counter international crime. Ramos-Horta responded positively to the proposed areas of collaboration, reinforcing the Presidency’s ongoing commitment to broadening Timor-Leste’s global partnerships. Both parties expressed a mutual desire to increase diplomatic contacts throughout the year to foster a more dynamic and interactive bilateral relationship.

A major focal point of the exchange was the enhancement of human capital development through educational opportunities for Timorese youth.  Ramos-Horta warmly welcomed Russia’s continued commitment to providing higher education scholarships to Timorese citizens. Building upon the success of a Timorese official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who studied in Russia last year, Ambassador Tolchenov confirmed plans to invite a new cohort of Timorese students to pursue their studies at Russian universities, directly supporting the President’s vision for national capacity building.