A courtesy visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation,

          On 21^st June 2024, Kamphol Adulavidhaya Conference Room, 2^nd floor of the Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Building Center, Kasetsart University Bangkhen Campus, Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara, Chairman of Kasetsart University Council along with administrators, namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ladawan Puangchit, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Professor Emeritus Dr. Peerasak Srinives, Vice Chairman of Kasetsart University Council; Asst. Prof. Dr. Tanin Kongsila, Vice President for the University Council Affairs and Human Resource Development; Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuchanata Mungkung, Vice President for Finance and Asset Management; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chamaipak Maiklad, Assistant to the President for International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Korakit Choomgrant, Deputy Dean for International Affairs and Educational Development, Faculty of Social Sciences; Asst. Prof. Dr. Donludee Jaisut, Vice Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture; Asst. Prof. Dr. Patamaporn Sripadungtham, Vice Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanwimol Klaypradit, Associate Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Fisheries; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaowapha Waiprib, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Fisheries; Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukkrit Nimitkul, Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries; Prof. Dr.Cheewin Mallikamarl, Department of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Nipat limsangouan, Deputy Director for Administration and Organization Development, Institute of Food Research and Product Development; Dr. Pramuan Saithong, Deputy Director for Research, Institute of Food Research and Product Development; Mrs. Neeracha Kalantakasuwan, Head of International Scholarships and Opportunities Section, International Affairs Division; Miss Chuthamat Rakchum, Deputy Director, Lifelong learning Development Office; Miss Wimonwan Saiyamunka, Head of Secretary Office, Lifelong learning Development Office; Miss Benjaluk Pavasopon, Institute of Food Research and Product Development; and representatives from the International Affairs Division welcomed H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and H.E. Mr. Juvencio de Jesus Martins, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Kingdom of Thailand; and representatives from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the occasion of visiting Kasetsart University to discuss collaboration.

          Kasetsart University has maintained a strong relationship with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. In September 2015, Kasetsart University welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Thailand. Furthermore, in December 2019, Kasetsart University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universidade Oriental Timor Lorosa’e (UNITAL). Additionally, Thailand has supported the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in various sectors, including education, agriculture, and healthcare.

          After Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara explained information about Kasetsart University and introduced the university's executives, H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas mentioned the strong relationship between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Thailand. He emphasized that Timor-Leste places great importance on agriculture, as it provides the country with a rich food source. However, climate change has made agricultural practices challenging. Therefore, there is a keen interest in learning agricultural technology and innovations, as well as initiating agricultural collaborations with Kasetsart University.

          Before concluding the discussion, representatives from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Fisheries, KU each provided a broad overview of their respective faculties to help the delegation from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste better understand the teaching and research processes of both faculties. Finally, Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara presented a souvenir, which included products from Kasetsart University; to H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas. The meeting concluded with a group photo of all the participants. Next, all representatives from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste visited the Faculty of Fisheries and the Faculty of Agriculture.