The United States Embassy in Timor-Leste has been pleased to welcome a delegation of seven Members of the United States House of Representatives to Timor-Leste from July 28 to 30 as part of our ongoing House Democracy Partnership that aims to strengthen democratic institutions in the United States and Timor-Leste.
The United States is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s independence and continues to work closely with Timorese to develop robust democratic institutions and promote economic development. This is the fifth United States Congressional visit to Timor-Leste by the House Democracy Partnership. “Each time I visit Timor-Leste I am impressed with how much progress this country has made in recovering from conflict and creating a peaceful democracy. Our entire delegation looks forward to continuing to learn from Timorese and working together to develop democracy and inclusive institutions that represent the people of Timor-Leste,” said delegation leader Representative David Price from North Carolina.
Ambassador Kathleen Fitzpatrick and her team at the U.S. Embassy are grateful to the National Parliament, government and people of Timor-Leste for welcoming this important visit. “We are honored to have such an important delegation visit Timor-Leste. This visit reaffirmed the strong ties between the United States and Timor-Leste, two nations which share democratic values and work to support a peaceful Indo-Pacific region based on peaceful resolutions of disputes in a rules-based international order.” We are honored that this delegation had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency the President of the Republic, His Excellency the Prime Minister, His Excellency the President of the Parliament, the Vice Presidents and party bench leaders of the Parliament and the Women’s Caucus in Parliament. The Congressional delegation will also meet with Women Political and Business Leaders, and youth and civil society leaders.
We are also especially grateful for the warm welcome of His Excellency Xanana Gusmao, who hosted a lovely welcome dinner for the delegation just after their arrival on July 28.
Since 2009, the House Democracy Partnership has supported the Timorese Parliament’s research service, funded Parliament’s library, integrated information technologies into Parliament, and encouraged greater legislative oversight and efficiency.