DILI, 27 October 2025 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, held a productive bilateral meeting today with United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
The meeting, held at the W Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.
The leaders reviewed the longstanding bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and the United States, which dates back to Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002. Under Secretary Hooker conveyed a formal message from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warmly congratulating Timor-Leste on its recent milestone of becoming a full member of ASEAN. The statement recognized the nation’s dedication to ASEAN’s vision for peace, stability, and prosperity and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to ASEAN centrality.
President Ramos-Horta expressed his deep appreciation for the ongoing U.S. partnership, specifically highlighting the impactful work in security and defense, the contributions of the Peace Corps, and the critical infrastructure projects undertaken by the U.S. Navy Seabees.
“The Peace Corps and U.S. Navy Seabees have been instrumental partners for more than a decade,” stated President Ramos-Horta. “Our recent joint military exercise was a success, and the Seabees provide invaluable training to our defense force while building and repairing essential infrastructure like schools and clinics. I urge our U.S. partners to continue the vital investment in MCC program two key areas: water management and high-quality education.”
In response, Under Secretary Hooker thanked the President for share the experience of Timor-Leste and assured the President that the United States is committed to advancing Timor-Leste’s development objectives through continued bilateral engagement. She noted that U.S. aid programs are currently being reviewed to enhance their integration and effectiveness within the State Department’s structure.
Both sides agreed to deepen existing cooperation. The United States expressed interest in discussing a Memorandum of Understanding to increase access to Baucau Airfield and to explore enhanced collaboration in the trade sector. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship and working closely together on future opportunities of mutual interest.
TATOLI
