DILI, Timor-Leste – The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), signed an amendment to its Development Objective Agreement (DOAG) with the Government of Timor-Leste on Tuesday that will commit an additional $16.85 million from the United States to developing Timor-Leste.

“With this funding, the United States maintains its commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Timor-Leste as it works to achieve its own goals,” said U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick.  

The Ministry of Finance signed the amendment on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste.  It is the sixth amendment to the DOAG since the initial signing in 2014 and will now extend the agreement to September 30, 2020.  An amendment is required every time the United States provides additional funding to the original agreement.  With this amendment, the total U.S. contribution to the 2014 agreement via USAID is $70.88 million. 

U. S. development assistance aims to help Timor-Leste become more prosperous, healthy, and democratic.  USAID works with Timor-Leste to achieve these goals by focusing on inclusive and sustainable economic growth; open, transparent and rule-of-law democratic governance and health.  Specifically, USAID has programs in agriculture, tourism, water and sanitation, democracy and governance, customs and health-care services.