DILI, 18 july 2022 – (TATOLI) – U.S. Army and Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) service members launched today Dalan ba Dame 22 (“Path to Peace”), the second joint exercise between the F-FDTL and the U.S. Army.
The exercise will take place from july 18-28 at the F-FDTL Land Component Base in Baucau municipality.
“Exercise Dalan ba Dame is an important example of how the United States and Timor-Leste are deepening our enduring partnership,” said U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Roy Srinivasan in remarks at the opening ceremony. “The United States is proud to partner with the F-FDTL to develop Timor-Leste’s capacity for maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. This second joint exercise reinforces U.S. commitment to working together with Timor-Leste to address shared challenges.”
This U.S. Army Pacific-sponsored exercise, which involves approximately 50 U.S. and 100 F-FDTL personnel, will enhance interoperability capabilities through training and cultural exchange.
Training includes subject matter expert exchanges and professional development workshops that focus on basic infantry skills such as patrolling, land navigation, and jungle survival skills. This exercise builds on the growing U.S.-Timor-Leste partnership and advances security cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The Dalan ba Dame 22 exercise builds on the growing U.S.-Timorese security partnership, most notably the U.S. commitment of over US$10 million to jointly rehabilitate with the Government of Timor-Leste the Baucau airfield.
Through the creation of an Air Component, the project will assist the F-FDTL and help the Timorese government better monitor its maritime territory, provide humanitarian assistance, and promote economic development.
The United States also conducts three annual military exercises with the F-FDTL and hosts numerous Timorese service members in the United States for English language and professional military education.
In addition, the U.S. Navy Seabees have constructed or rehabilitated over 100 clinics and schools throughout Timor-Leste to help build a better future for the Timorese people, completing projects valued at more than US$50 million over the last 10 years.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
