Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck of Bhutan is visiting Timor-Leste for a series of diplomatic and development-focused engagements, including participation in the Science for Development Summit 2026 in Dili.
The Princess arrived in Dili on August 22 and was received at Nicolau Lobato International Airport by Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, Vice Minister and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.
During the visit, Gomes hosted a luncheon in honour of Princess Sonam at JL World Hotel Metiaut, bringing together government officials and members of the diplomatic community. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange views on leadership, public service and development cooperation between the two countries.
On August 24, Princess Sonam delivered the opening plenary address at the Science for Development Summit, held under the theme “Science in Service of Life.” The summit brought together scientists, researchers, educators, policymakers and international participants to discuss the role of science and knowledge in national development.
The visit also builds on earlier Bhutan-Timor-Leste exchanges, including a 2023 meeting between senior Timor-Leste officials and Bhutan’s then Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering on the sidelines of the UN conference on Least Developed Countries in Doha. Bhutan shared its experience in preparing for graduation from the LDC category, which it formally achieved in December 2023.
Princess Sonam’s visit is expected to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Bhutan and Timor-Leste in areas including education, public administration, science and sustainable development.
