DILI, 12 december 2023 (TATOLI) – The United States Embassy in Timor-Leste handed over the airport lighting and runway to the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) Air Component at Baucau Airfield today.
The handover event symbolizes the United States’ unwavering commitment to assisting Timor-Leste in building its air component and rehabilitating Baucau Airfield. Over the past two years, substantial improvements have been made, ranging from fencing to warehouse enhancements and the deployment of support equipment.
CDA Weinstock, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind these efforts, reported on the crucial support received from Director General Nuno, Director General Aniceto, and representatives from civil aviation and national airport authorities.
“It is a powerful testament to what we can achieve by working together,” Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock said in his remarks, according to a press release accessed by Tatoli.
In june of this year, a significant milestone was achieved with the delivery of Timor-Leste’s first military aircraft, a Cessna, equipped for maritime boundary monitoring. Looking ahead, the United States is set to construct a hangar, facilitating air operations in Baucau. In collaboration with Australian patrol boats, this initiative strengthens maritime patrol capabilities, safeguarding Timor-Leste’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and sovereignty.
The United States reiterates its commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with multilateral partners, including Timor-Leste, in creating opportunities, cultivating friendships, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, the Lighting and Runway handover ceremony was attended by the United States Embassy in Timor-Leste, represented by U.S. Embassy Dili’s Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Marc Weinstock, F-FDTL Major General Cornelio Ximenes Maunana, and Ministry of Defense Representatives.
Journalist: José Belarmino de Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
