DILI, 24 February 2025 (TATOLI) – Donna Ann Welton has concluded her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste, in advance of imminent retirement from a long and distinguished career in public service. Deputy Chief of Mission Marc A. Weinstock has assumed Mission leadership as Chargé d’affaires.
First confirmed to serve in Timor-Leste by the U.S. Congress on May 7, 2024, Ambassador Welton formally presented her letter of credence to the President of Timor-Leste on July 16, 2024.
Throughout her time in country, the Ambassador consistently championed the U.S.-Timor-Leste bilateral relationship. Her formal engagements fostered ever-stronger diplomatic ties, firmly rooted in the mutual respect and deepening partnership between the two countries. Notably, the Ambassador was both professionally and personally dedicated to developing a deeper understanding of the Timorese people, which included her dedication to learning Tetum.
Ambassador Welton traveled to all 13 municipalities – by Cessna, 4-wheel drive, and even chartered boat. During those travels, she took out her binoculars to marvel at Timor-Leste’s extraordinary bird population, snorkeled the sea, and connected more profoundly with the people of Timor-Leste, from the President and the Prime Minister to community leaders, elders, and schoolchildren in rural schools, developing an intimate understanding of the needs of the Timorese people and how the United States could best support Asia’s newest democracy.
The Ambassador brought the United States of America closer to Timor-Leste – for example, visiting uma lulik being documented through a U.S. grant, facilitating collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and the Rhode Island National Guard to enhance security cooperation, opening her home to network with young leaders, and launching a new Business Incubator to empower young Timorese with the necessary skills to land good jobs, start new businesses, and contribute to the growth of the country’s economy in the years ahead. The imprint left by Ambassador Welton will have an impact for years to come.
Her service in Timor-Leste marks Ambassador Welton’s last tour as a U.S. diplomat before retirement.
TATOLI
