DILI, 06 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre concluded a two-day visit to Timor-Leste on June 4-5, 2026, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Timor-Leste and advancing cooperation on shared regional and global priorities.
During his visit, Assistant Secretary DeSombre met with President Ramos-Horta to discuss avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and Timor-Leste’s engagement in regional and international fora. He also met with Prime Minister Gusmão to advance collaboration on shared priorities and underscore the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The visit coincided with the United States’ commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence – America’s Freedom 250 – reinforcing shared values of freedom, democracy, sovereignty, and self-determination that provide a strong foundation for the U.S-Timor-Leste partnership.
The United States remains committed to working closely with Timor-Leste to strengthen bilateral ties, support regional engagement, and advance shared goals for peace, security, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
Michael G. DeSombre was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs on October 10, 2025. Previously, Assistant Secretary DeSombre was a partner at the international law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell, where he led the Asian Mergers and Acquisition Practice as well as the Korea and Southeast Asian Practice of the firm. Assistant Secretary DeSombre is recognized as one of the preeminent mergers & acquisitions and private equity lawyers in the world. Assistant Secretary DeSombre resided in Asia for over 25 years.
From 2020 to 2021, Assistant Secretary DeSombre served as U.S. Ambassador to Thailand. A native of Illinois, he received a B.A. in Quantitative Economics and an M.A. in East Asian Studies from Stanford University. He graduated magna cum laude in 1995 from Harvard Law School. Assistant Secretary DeSombre is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and conversational in Korean and Japanese.
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