TL's Embassy in Washington, D.C. Celebrates the Country's Tenth Anniversary

June 14, 2012

USTL students performing Timorese traditional dance

Timor-Leste’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. recently celebrated the country’s Tenth Anniversary with a festive reception.  Minister of Finance Emilia Pires and Timorese Ambassador to the U.S. Constancio Pinto spoke about Timor-Leste’s progress and its leadership of the g7+ at the well-attended event in the grand hall of the Carnegie Institute of Science.  Minister Pires also noted ten years of U.S.-TL diplomatic relations and praised the U.S. for its support over the past decade.  U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Joe Yun also spoke, commenting on the warmth of the Timorese people that he encountered on his trips to Timor-Leste, and the strength of Timorese leaders.  He reiterated America’s strong support of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid.  The program concluded with USTL students performing various Timorese dances, including a final circle dance that drew in members of the audience, per Timorese tradition.