U.S. State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Melissa A. Brown is visiting Timor-Leste for three days to hold discussions with government officials. Her visit includes meetings with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, President Jose Ramos-Horta, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Bendito Freitas, and Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel.
Brown congratulated Timor-Leste on its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on behalf of the United States. She highlighted U.S. support for Timor-Leste's ASEAN accession and explored opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries.
A key meeting took place between Brown and Prime Minister Gusmao, where they discussed Timor-Leste's development priorities. This discussion emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to supporting these initiatives as Timor-Leste progresses towards ASEAN membership.
In her meeting with President Ramos-Horta, he thanked the U.S. for its contributions, which include backing Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession efforts, a $484 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, and enhancing security relations.
Further details about DAS Brown can be found at https://www.state.gov/biographies/melissa-a-brown/.