DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – The United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development this week signed an amended bilateral agreement with the Government of Timor-Leste to help Timor-Leste achieve its strategic development goals.

The two governments signed an amendment to their joint Development Objective Agreement that will obligate $16,650,000 previously pledged from the United States for use in development projects through 2020. The original agreement was signed in 2014.

“With this funding, the people of the United States demonstrate our commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Timor-Leste as it works to achieve the goals of its Strategic Development Plan through 2030,” said U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick. “Our support will help move Timor-Leste toward a self-sufficient future with strong democratic institutions and a healthy and prosperous population.”

“The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is looking forward to future cooperation with the Government of the United States of America to the development of the people of Timor-Leste,” Minister of Planning and Finance Rui A. Gomes said in a statement released by his office.

The United States Government, through USAID and other U.S. agencies, works closely with the government and people of Timor-Leste to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth; encourage private-sector competitiveness; tackle serious health challenges, particularly those affecting women and children; strengthen sub-national democratic institutions and the foundations of good governance; protect the environment; and help vulnerable populations become more resilient.