HIROSHIMA, 12 MAY 2026 — On the third day of her official working visit, Her Excellency Mrs. Dulce de Jesus Soares, Minister of Education of Timor-Leste, held a series of strategic courtesy meetings with the Mayor of Hiroshima, His Excellency Mr. Hironori Takagaki, and the Deputy Chief Representative of JICA Hiroshima, Mr. Kawamoto Hiroyuki, Ph.D.
The visit, which took place after a tour of Saijo Agricultural High School, underscores the growing partnership between Timor-Leste and Japan in the field of human resource development.
Fostering International Cooperation through Education
During her meeting with Mayor Takagaki, Minister Dulce expressed her sincere gratitude for the invitation extended by the Center for the Study of International Cooperation in Education (CICE) at Hiroshima University. She praised Hiroshima not only for its historical significance but also for its enduring message of peace, which resonates deeply with the spirit of the Timor-Leste people.
Highlighting her visit to Ryuou Elementary School, the Minister shared her admiration for the school’s innovative pedagogical approach. To further this momentum, Her Excellency proposed exploring sister-school partnerships, aiming to institutionalize friendship and cultural exchange between educational institutions in both nations.
Appreciation for JICA’s Strategic Contributions
In a separate dialogue with Dr. Kawamoto Hiroyuki of JICA Hiroshima, Minister Dulce conveyed the profound gratitude of the Timor-Leste government for JICA’s unwavering support over the decades. She specifically noted JICA’s vital role in:
-
Enhancing educational capacity-building.
-
Facilitating sustainable human resource development initiatives.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Both meetings concluded with a warm exchange of commemorative gifts and group photographs, symbolizing the solid foundation of friendship and the shared commitment of Timor-Leste and Japan toward a more collaborative and peaceful future through education.
