DILI, www.news-viptv.com – The United States has pledged to contribute US$ 17.9 million to Timor-Leste by 2022.
The pledge of funds was delivered directly by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley meeting the Minister of Finance, Rui Gomes while discussing the 2022 aid fund to Timor-Leste.
The promised funds are to strengthen the economy and governance in Timor-Leste.
“U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley was pleased to meet Minister of Finance Rui Gomes to learn more about Timor-Leste’s 2022 budget, and discuss efforts to counter human trafficking, USAID’s Development Objective Agreement, and ongoing security cooperation. Through USAID, the United States will contribute $17.9 million this year to strengthen Timor-Leste’s economy and governance.” write the post of the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste on its official facebook page.
The United States and Timor-Leste enjoy positive relations as two democracies with shared interests in promoting rule of law and human rights. The United States also provides important assistance through USAID and other programs that help Timor-Leste develop its democratic institutions, diversify its economy, and enhance security capacity.
The United States established diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste at independence on May 20, 2002. Since then, the United States has provided more than $500 million in bilateral assistance. U.S. agencies present in Timor-Leste include the Departments of State, Defense, and Justice, USAID, and Peace Corps. The current Ambassador is Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick, who was preceded by Ambassadors Karen Stanton, Judith Fergin, Hans Klemm, and Grover Rees III.
Located between Indonesia and Australia, Timor-Leste is one of the world’s newest countries. Having gained independence in 2002 after decades of conflict, the country is now working to build its new democracy with still-nascent institutions, limited human capital, and significant economic and health challenges. The United States is committed to helping Timor-Leste realize its development goals and emerge as a strong, regional partner.
(source information from U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste)