DILI, 02 July 2026 (TATOLI) — U.S. Embassy Dili hosted a special 250th Independence Day celebration on July 1 on Embassy grounds. In attendance were guest of honor Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, Ministers and other distinguished government officials, diplomatic corps members, civil society leaders, vital partners, U.S. and local company sponsors, and USG exchange alumni, as well as Americans and other friends from around the country. The festive occasion highlighted the deep, longstanding friendship between the United States and Timor-Leste and our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and democratic values.
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Bruce Begnell emphasized the historic milestone of 250 years of independence: “All people are created equally and endowed with certain unalienable rights: Those ideas were bold, imperfectly implemented, and highly contested even at the time. But they set in motion a long, ongoing national journey toward forming a more perfect union. Today, as we commemorate this milestone, Americans reflect not only on our achievements, but also on the work that still lies ahead to live up to our founding ideals.”
He also noted, “Here in Timor-Leste, celebrating this anniversary has special meaning: Your own history is a powerful story of courage, determination, and the pursuit of freedom. The United States is proud to stand alongside Timor-Leste as a partner and friend on that journey. Our bilateral relationship continues to grow – in security cooperation, economic development, health, education, and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
U.S. Embassy Dili proudly joins Americans at home and around the world this year in marking 250 years of American independence under our Freedom 250 initiative, a reminder of the enduring principles that continue to guide the American people. As stated in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776, we commemorate 250 years of the principle that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
TATOLI
