Dili, Timor-Leste – On July 16, 2024, Donna Ann Welton officially commenced her role as the U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste by presenting her credentials to President José Ramos-Horta at the Presidential Palace in Dili. The event was attended by government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the significance of the relationship between the United States and Timor-Leste.
Following the ceremony, President Ramos-Horta and Ambassador Welton engaged in discussions on various topics of mutual interest such as regional security, economic development, education, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability.
Ambassador Welton expressed her commitment during the ceremony: “It is now my sincere honor and responsibility to formally represent the United States of America – its people, President Biden, and our government – as U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste. I am eager to start my work in earnest as the United States continues to strengthen our bilateral relationship. The United States is proud to provide support to Timor-Leste through our agencies and programs here across many vital sectors. As Ambassador, I am committed to leading the U.S. Mission here as we continue to partner robustly with Timor-Leste to promote our shared democratic values and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Both parties showed enthusiasm for future cooperation between their countries.
Ambassador Welton has been serving in diplomacy since 1984 with roles including Deputy Chief of Mission in Helsinki and Assistant Chief of Mission in Kabul among others. She speaks multiple languages including Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, German, some Dari, Finnish, and she has started learning Tetun.