DILI,02 february 2023 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste – Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, arrived in Timor-Leste to meet with Timorese officials and announce new efforts to strengthen the enduring partnership between the United States and Timor-Leste.
The statement released by the U.S Embassy in Timor-Leste stated that, during his visit, Adm. Aquilino will discuss opportunities to strengthen security cooperation, attend the signing of a State Partnership Program, inaugurate new health infrastructure, and announce new support for the F-FDTL and the joint rehabilitation of Baucau airport.
“The United States maintains longstanding security cooperation with Timor-Leste. Together, we conduct joint military exercises, advance professional development and training, and strengthen humanitarian assistance proficiency. I look forward to deepening our cooperation, which is based on our shared democratic values and common interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.” said Adm. Aquilino in a statement seen by Tatoli today.
According to the statement, Adm. Aquilino was scheduled to meet with the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, and Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, to underscore U.S. commitment to partnering with Timor-Leste to advance shared interests and values in building a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Adm. Aquilino will also join Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek and Minister of Defense Filomeno Paixao to commemorate Timor-Leste’s efforts to build democratic institutions during the F-FDTL Transformation Day Ceremony.
He will attend the signing of the State Partnership Program alongside Minister Paixao and Major General Chris Callahan, Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard.
“The program will strengthen professional development, training, and exchanges
between the F-FDTL and the Rhode Island National Guard and facilitate enhanced cooperation with the State of Rhode Island across government, security, economic, and social sectors,” said in a statement.
Adm. Aquilino was also set to deliver brief remarks at the handover ceremony of a mobile intensive care unit at the National Hospital in Dili.
“The delivery of the mobile ICU comes as part of a $2.3 million contribution from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to strengthen long-term health security in Timor-Leste,”
The new ICU includes nine beds – delivering a 150 percent increase in capacity at the National Hospital in Dili – and modern health technology to provide high-quality health care for the Timorese people.
TATOLI
