Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Washington D.C.

Welcoming remarks

Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of the Democratic of Timor-Leste to the United States of America the Gateway to Timor -Leste.

On August 30, 1999 the people of Timor-Leste overwhelmingly voted for independence under a United Nations supervised referendum; thus, ended the 24 years of Indonesian occupation. In September 1999 soon after the result of the referendum was announced the Indonesian army militias, anti-independence, laid waste 85% of the country’s infrastructure; schools, hospitals, government buildings and private homes were destroyed, burnt and looted; about 300,000 people fled to West Timor (Indonesia) and about 1500 people were killed. The mayhem prompted the United Nations Peace Keepers intervention led by Australia. For the next four years the United Nations run the country and on May 20, 2002 the United Nations successfully transferred the power over to the first constitutional government. The United Nations’ post conflict operation in Timor-Leste was hailed as a success story. Furthermore, nation building is not an easy task. Timor-Leste has been trying to overcome the difficulties, scars of 24 years of war and occupation through dialogue and truth telling; strengthening state institutions, capacity building, and creating jobs for young people who every year entering the labor force; After five years of independence we are witnessing incremental changing. The GDP per capita has increased from $450 to $800 this is due to foreign assistance and oil and gas revenue and coffee export. However, Timor-Leste remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In the past few years the government of Timor-Leste has been working tirelessly to make Timor-Leste hospitable to business people and potential investors. One of is efforts is the approval of a business friendly investment law for potential investors who are interested in taken part in the reconstruction of Timor-Leste through investment. Timor-Leste also offers endless opportunity for those who only want to spend their time to learn new culture and to appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty of the island. Timor-Leste hosts one of the best coral reefs in the world that is unspoiled for millions of years.

This website provides you up-to-date information about Timor-Leste on travel and tourism, the economy, investment opportunities and consular affairs.

Should you have any question please do not hesitate to contact our Embassy in Washington, DC.

Sincerely yours,

Ambassador Constancio Pinto




	JavaScript Menu, DHTML Menu Powered By Milonic Welcoming remarks Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of the Democratic of Timor-Leste to the United States of America the Gateway to Timor -Leste. On August 30, 1999 the people of Timor-Leste overwhelmingly voted for independence under a United Nations supervised referendum; thus, ended the 24 years of Indonesian occupation. In September 1999 soon after the result of the referendum was announced the Indonesian army militias, anti-independence, laid waste 85% of the country’s infrastructure; schools, hospitals, government buildings and private homes were destroyed, burnt and looted; about 300,000 people fled to West Timor (Indonesia) and about 1500 people were killed. The mayhem prompted the United Nations Peace Keepers intervention led by Australia. For the next four years the United Nations run the country and on May 20, 2002 the United Nations successfully transferred the power over to the first constitutional government. The United Nations’ post conflict operation in Timor-Leste was hailed as a success story. Furthermore, nation building is not an easy task. Timor-Leste has been trying to overcome the difficulties, scars of 24 years of war and occupation through dialogue and truth telling; strengthening state institutions, capacity building, and creating jobs for young people who every year entering the labor force; After five years of independence we are witnessing incremental changing. The GDP per capita has increased from $450 to $800 this is due to foreign assistance and oil and gas revenue and coffee export. However, Timor-Leste remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In the past few years the government of Timor-Leste has been working tirelessly to make Timor-Leste hospitable to business people and potential investors. One of is efforts is the approval of a business friendly investment law for potential investors who are interested in taken part in the reconstruction of Timor-Leste through investment. Timor-Leste also offers endless opportunity for those who only want to spend their time to learn new culture and to appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty of the island. Timor-Leste hosts one of the best coral reefs in the world that is unspoiled for millions of years. This website provides you up-to-date information about Timor-Leste on travel and tourism, the economy, investment opportunities and consular affairs. Should you have any question please do not hesitate to contact our Embassy in Washington, DC. Sincerely yours, Ambassador Constancio Pinto