(AseanAll)  — On May 28, 2026,President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta welcomed Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Stefania Dina to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace today for a farewell courtesy call, marking the conclusion of her successful three-year tenure in Timor-Leste. 

During the meeting, the Head of State expressed his profound appreciation for ADB’s steadfast support and the strong, trust-based partnership cultivated during her mandate. A major highlight of their discussion was ADB’s instrumental technical and economic assistance since 2012, which played a crucial role in paving the way for Timor-Leste’s historic accession to ASEAN.

The dialogue also focused on the nation’s future economic diversification, with the President placing a special emphasis on sustainable agriculture and rural development. President Ramos-Horta highlighted the critical need to address high transportation costs that hinder local farmers from bringing their produce to Dili’s markets, advocating for solutions that empower rural livelihoods. Furthermore, the President championed the immense potential of Timor-Leste’s world-class coffee, urging continued international efforts to elevate its global market presence and directly benefit local coffee-growing communities.

Looking ahead, the Head of State welcomed the news that Stefania Dina’s forthcoming assignment at the ADB headquarters in Manila—as Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific on Agriculture and Rural Development—will allow her to remain deeply engaged with Timor-Leste’s agricultural sector. Having successfully mobilized over $85 million in concessional loans and grants for vital infrastructure, transport, and social protection projects during her term, the Presidency looks forward to an enduring and fruitful cooperation between Timor-Leste and the Asian Development Bank.