On the tenth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, the United States and Timor-Leste celebrate an enduring partnership based on shared democratic values and a commitment to fostering stability and prosperity.
“Together, we advance human rights and democracy in Timor-Leste and around the world, [and] we build strong foundations for Timor-Leste's future as a stable, peaceful, and prosperous democracy,” the U.S. Department of State said in a recent statement.
In addition, Secretary Clinton said in her videotaped remarks at Timor-Leste’s national celebration, “The United States and Timor-Leste are bound together by mutual respect and shared interests. We are committed to strengthening this partnership to promote democracy, freedom, and human rights in the decade to come.”
Since 2000, the United States has provided more than $350 million in assistance to Timor-Leste. The United States also supports Timor-Leste through the United Nations peacekeeping mission and to international financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Multiple U.S. agencies support law enforcement in Timor-Leste, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, through the "Supporting Police, Sustaining Peace" program promoting conflict prevention and increasing civil society engagement.
U.S. military engagement with Timor-Leste is focused on the professionalization of the armed forces and humanitarian assistance.
The United States is also supporting Timor-Leste’s 2012 elections by sponsoring international observation missions, training domestic observers, and providing voter and civic education.
USAID provides legal aid assistance to thousands of underserved citizens and trains village councilors about their rights and responsibilities under local law. USAID has supported journalists to raise professional standards.
U.S. programs are reducing poverty in Timor-Leste by increasing private sector opportunities and building links between farmers and markets. They are promoting improved health through increased immunization rates and helping to conserve and manage Timor-Leste’s sensitive marine resources.
USAID’s Property Rights Project is implementing the first-ever survey and registration of land in Timor-Leste, strengthening land regulations and administrative systems, and developing dispute resolution mechanisms.
The U.S. government is also supporting people-to-people exchanges with Timor-Leste, through the Fulbright program and undergraduate scholarships.
The United States is committed to deepening this partnership [with Timor-Leste] into the next decade and beyond.
Ten Years Of U.S.-Timor-Leste
The United States and Timor-Leste celebrate an enduring partnership based on shared democratic values and a commitment to fostering stability and prosperity.
